It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Carol O'Leary, who joined her cherished husband Brent O'Leary in Heaven on May 14th at Regional West Medical Center. Carol was born on July 27th, 1941, to Esther and Ernie Martin in Aurora, Illinois. She grew up in Aurora alongside her brothers Robert and James.
Carol met the love of her life, Brent O'Leary, and together they moved to Alliance, Nebraska, where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Carol worked at Woolrich, American Family, and Kmart, where she made numerous friends over the years. She cherished her coffee group and the friendships she cultivated throughout her life.
Carol had many passions, including crocheting, caring for animals, and spending time in fellowship with her church community. She found immense joy in being a grandmother and took great pride in her sons' passion for hot rod cars. One of her happiest moments was sharing her birthday with her great-grandchild, Charlie Fay Schulze.
Carol is survived by her loving sons, James O'Leary, Steven (Lin) O'Leary, and Mark O'Leary; her brother James (Linda) Martin; her cherished grandchildren Janice (Grayson) Lukasik, Amber (Nick) Schulze, Josh (Angela) O'Leary, and Amanda (Louie) Nigg; and her precious great-grandchildren Destinee Kramer, Kaitlyn Schulze, Ethan Schulze, Alannah O'Leary, Landon O'Leary, Jon Nigg, Gavin Lukasik, Bo Nigg, Alley Lukasik, and Charlie Fay Schulze. She also leaves behind her great-great-grandson, Ronan Goodell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Ernie Martin; her brother Robert; her beloved spouse Brent O'Leary; her dear sons Donald, Joseph, and Kelly; and her daughter-in-law Melissa.
Carol's passion for animals was unmatched, and her love for them was a defining aspect of her life. In honor of her memory, private family services will be held. A fellowship and celebration of her life with family and friends will take place on May 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Saint John's Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to 1023 Big Horn Avenue, and donations may be made to the Alliance Animal Shelter to honor Carol's enduring love for animals.
Carol's warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her legacy of compassion and joy will continue to inspire all who knew her.