Christine Marie Carlson

Christine Marie (nee Glass) Carlson was born May 18, 1966, to James and Lillian Glass. She left the physical world suddenly on August 9, 2024, and was invited to the beautiful realm of Heaven. She was a 1984 graduate of Kankakee Valley High School and a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Music Education. She worked as a Senior Recruiter (PHR) for Allstate Insurance, having also worked for Pearson Education in Iowa City, IA, Parkland International in Dallas TX, and Motorola in Arlington Heights, IL. Chris was an accomplished musician, playing trumpet and organ. She played Principal trumpet in the NIU Symphonic Orchestra, was a member and soloist with the NIU Huskie Marching Band, and was a past member of the Dekalb Municipal Band. She also faithfully served as a member of the volunteer music teams at churches she attended throughout the years. She held strong to her Christian faith. Chris was a gentle spirit with a generous love for animals, especially her many cats over the years, and her two beloved Shelties. She volunteered, along with her daughter Shailee, at Witty Kitties cat shelter and several feline rescue groups when she lived in Iowa City. She had a true special way with cats, and was a natural “cat whisperer,” sometimes bringing the most feral of cats to bond with her that no one else could. She loved arts and crafts, growing veggies, and geocaching. She proudly embraced her Polish heritage, collecting Polish pottery, and often making and sharing its culinary delights. She loved cooking for family and friends. She so loved her daughter, Shailee. Among other activities, they enjoyed sewing and making beautiful and creative Anime costumes for Anime cosplay and conventions that Shailee was a part of. She was an active band booster with the Clear Creek Amana High School Band and a treasured member of the infamous “Band Moms” group. She was known in the group for being able to drop a quick-witted sudden one-liner in the course of conversation that would put them all in stitches and uncontrollable giggles. Christine is survived by her daughter, Shailee Carlson, and her former husband, John Carlson. She also leaves behind her mother, Lillian Glass, brother, Donald (Pamela) Kachlic; her sister Carol (David) Fitzpatrick; and her nieces and nephews, Dawn Boyce, Mark Kachlic, Jennifer Fitzpatrick, and Lisa Fitzpatrick, along with seven great-nieces and great-nephews. A graveside service and burial will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Demotte Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be scheduled for later this fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated to your favorite local animal shelter in remembrance of Christine.

Christine Marie Carlson

May 18, 1966 - August 9, 2024