Carol Grahn Schillerstrom, 86, died peacefully in her sleep on August 10, 2017 at her home at the Goodwin House in Falls Church, Virginia. She leaves behind family and countless friends who deeply mourn her passing, who cherish her memory, and who are grateful she left this life in the way she had said she wanted.
 
Carol was born to Allan and Edith (Anderson) Grahn on September 9, 1930 in Evanston, Illinois, where she was raised. Attending the University of Illinois, she graduated with a BA in Journalism in 1951. She met David, her beloved husband of 62 years, on a blind date at the University. They were married while David finished school, and soon had three children. After helping David get started in his Air Force career, Carol returned to school and earned her Masters in Special Education at the University of Nebraska. She became a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in Arlington County, Virginia. Her pre-school students generally had multiple disabilities, and Carol demonstrated great creativity, resourcefulness, patience, and compassion with them for 26 years.

Carol was vital and active right up to her death, exploring life with enthusiasm and gratitude. She constantly acknowledged her blessings, and when challenges arose, she met them with steadfast courage and grace. Whatever life presented, Carol continued moving forward, and without trying in the least, was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was incredibly competent, grounded, and articulate, and people quickly recognized and relied on her intelligence and her common sense. An exemplary “military wife,” she enjoyed mentoring others and loved her country deeply.

Family, friends, and strangers were recipients of Carol’s natural kindness and generosity. She delighted in picking out or making the perfect gifts, often accompanied by “A Carol Card” that featured one of her own photos. She had a very appreciative eye, and loved the garden where she and David grew many of the beautiful flowers featured on her cards. Carol loved music of all kinds, and was a dedicated member of the Women’s Committee for The National Symphony Orchestra. She was also a long-time member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, and a supporter of many other charities.

From the start, Carol made a wonderful home for David and their children. Early on, she made much of her children’s clothing as well as her own, and taught all of her children to sew. She was a prolific knitter, and made scarves and jewelry as gifts. With a wonderful fashion sense, she enjoyed putting together her lovely outfits. She had a real knack for looking great no matter the time of day or night. Carol was a terrific cook, and she and David hosted many memorable gatherings for family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. She was profoundly gracious, and talked easily and appreciatively with people from all walks of life. With a great sense of fun, Carol really loved to laugh. Some of her socializing took place on the golf course—she was an avid golfer, and she and David played regularly for most of their lives.

In her retirement, Carol continued her lifelong interest in travel. After David’s passing, she moved into the Goodwin House. Carol loved the senior community and its staff, and was an eager participant in its art classes, memoir writing class, book group (she was an avid reader), and water aerobics. She also took advantage of bus trips to concerts, museums, talks, and other special events. She always loved being in, on, or near the water, and continued to enjoy wonderful times with family and friends on boats or at the shore. She cherished her extended family in Illinois, and all those people who had become “family” over the years.

Carol is so greatly missed already! She is survived by her son, David A. Schillerstrom (Luanne Lukes); her daughters, Linda C. Schillerstrom (Steve Schechter) and Karen S. Brownsword (Derek Brownsword); her nephew, Mike Bryggare (Jane), and many beloved family members in Naperville, Illinois.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 28 at 10 A.M. at the Goodwin House, 3440 S. Jefferson St., in Falls Church, with a reception there to follow. Please RSVP for the service to Linda, at Linda.Schillerstrom@aol.com.

Carol is being interred at Arlington National Cemetery with interment for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Symphony Orchestra, The Salvation Army, or the charity of your choice.

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