Carolyn “Sue” Hendrickson (nee Corcoran), age 86, a resident of Naperville, IL for 46 years, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at her home. She was born on October 19, 1936, in Carmi, IL.
Beloved wife of the late Roger B. Hendrickson , whom she married January 4, 1958 and who preceded her in death on October 14, 2022, loving mother of Kelly (Michael Prendergast) Hendrickson of Oak Park, IL and Carol (Patrick) Durava of Naperville, adored grandmother of Molly Durava of Elmhurst, IL and Caroline Durava of Indianapolis, IN, devoted daughter of the late Willard and Irene (nee Lucas) Corcoran, dear sister of Dr. Curtis (Diane) Corcoran of Boise, ID and Michael Corcoran of Carmi, IL, daughter-in-law of the late Brooks and Julia (nee Tittle) Hendrickson, fond aunt of Bill Corcoran and Beth (Jonathan) Oppenheimer, and friend of many.
Sue was born in Carmi, IL, living in various places throughout the state until landing in Danville, IL, where she met her future husband, Roger at the Y in April of 1952. She went on to graduate from the Oak Park Hospital School of Nursing, Oak Park, IL in 1957 and worked as a nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville before marrying and starting her family. After raising Kelly and Carol, Sue was employed as a school nurse at Lincoln Junior High School in Naperville and later as district nurse for Plainfield School District #202, where she retired in 1992 after 12 years of service. Roger and Sue became “Papa and Sue” when their two granddaughters were born in 1994 (Molly) and 1998 (Caroline).
Sue was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville and active in Questors, an adult discussion group. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, baking and cooking, watching for orioles, swans, and hummingbirds, and was an avid volunteer for many community organizations.
Sue was “practically perfect in every way” and was loved to the moon and back. Nothing brought her greater joy than sharing experiences, creating memories, and imparting her wisdom on Papa and her girls,
especially in conversation at the kitchen table. Her big and little girls were the light of her life and will carry on the values she has instilled in them as strong women: walking with kindness and fairness, advocating for yourself even when it’s hard, and making sure there is always a seat for everyone at the table.
After being together for 70 years, and only apart for 9 months, we can only imagine how joyful the celebration is between Papa and Sue as they are reunited once again. We will miss them every day for the rest of our lives, but will carry their spirit with us in all things that we do.
We honor Sue’s memory by continuing her legacy of love, kindness, and service, ensuring that her light shines on through the acts of kindness we extend to others. Let us celebrate her lessons in our hearts and cherish the memories she gifted us.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, 4:00-7:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Friday, July 28, 11:00 AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville. To honor Sue’s wishes, please be joyful and wear bright colors.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s memory may be made to: Elmhurst Choral Union, P.O Box 1493, Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 758-1100, www. elmhurstchoralunion.org/donate or We Bloom, 525 S. Meridian Street, STE 1E.6, Indianapolis, IN 46225, (206) 940-5234, www.webloom.org. These organizations were important to Sue as they are special to her granddaughters, Molly and Caroline.
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213
