Carolee Ann Duncan

Born in 1942 in Los Angeles, California, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry Adrian Duncan, to whom she remained wed for 55 years, and with whom she raised four children: Tammy (Tim Moore) , Debby (Jim Guidici), Larry, and Sandy (Tony Emmi). Having grown up impoverished and neglected, her most ardent wish was to one day have a family of her own to love, and be loved by in return. In this she was a resounding success, and we were blessed to have her as our mother, teacher, cheerleader, tireless advocate, and devoted friend.

Carolee was a cosmetology instructor in Centralia, Illinois, and a teacher assistant at Durant Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina. She will no doubt be remembered with love by many of her former co-workers and students, whom she loved in return.

She is survived by her husband, her children and grandchildren: Joe and Jake Gaetti, Nelson Munoz, Carolee and Ben Emmi, and great-grandson, Adrian Munoz. She is also survived by her sister, Wendy Mrowka, and niece, Kristy Mrowka, who loved her dearly, by her brother Tom Baslington, by her sister-in-law Francine Pheasant, and by her brother-in-law, Terry Duncan.

It is a tribute to her zest for life that every one of us has so many cherished memories of time spent with her—of stories told, walks in the woods, and so many other adventures. Her wise counsel and infectious laughter will be sorely missed.

Carolee loved everything about living, and all things beautiful. She was, in a word, magical. She was the embodiment of unconditional motherly love, and all children held a special place in her heart.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at 10:30 AM in the chapel at St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. A graveside service will be held at Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery in Benton, Illinois on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, to help children in need of having a moment of magic in their lives as well.