Carole Sabella

Carole Ann Sabella

July 12, 1939 – June 22, 2022

Carole Ann Sabella was born in Chicago, IL on July 12, 1939, to Ruth and Willhelm Ehredt. An avid sports enthusiast and aspiring fashion major, she lived her life in Chicago, IL at home in her early years, with her six siblings until she met the love of her life, our late father Vincent at a company Christmas party 62 years ago. It was love at first sight and they were married six months later, on May 5, 1960.
In 1961, her life changed as she became a loving mother to her first-born son, Vincent.  As our sister would say, “with each child your heart grows.” I guess you can say that after eight children, no one was as loving, caring, or had a bigger heart than her.  Stoic at times, she wanted to lead each of us to our own individual strengths.  Her role of a devoted wife and mother was her most important and prized accomplishment throughout her lifetime.
The love and bond she shared with each of her children was obvious from their first moments. She poured over each of them with love, affection, and adoration as if each were her very first newborn. Putting her children first, no matter how many, or how old they were.
Our life together was simple, yet rich. With eight of us growing up together, there was never a dull moment.  She found a way to make every day special. From the aroma of meatballs and homemade sauce, detectible from a block away, to the multi-course weekday dinners, and homemade baked goods with fancy decorated cakes, that we would find after school.  Sunday dinners were always a feast and like our holiday dinners, no matter how tired she was or how much work she had, she would stay up and prepare all night, just to have the perfect Sunday or holiday dinner.
Summertime was her “resort” creation and camp for most of the kids in our neighborhood.  She hosted with a pool, volleyball, hockey, baseball, tennis, and other activities to include breakfast, lunch and even dinner. She was camp security, the seamstress and nurse patching up whoever needed it and sending them on their merry way. She loved seeing children happy and caring for them.  Making Halloween costumes and decorations, painting eggs and baskets for Easter, The summer 4th of July barbeques with Sausage, Peppers and fireworks, her famous chocolate cakes and grand Thanksgiving spreads, the secret trips to the toy store and ice cream shop, sitting on the swing reading and watching us catch fireflies and eat cool pops ,and of course, preparing months in advance for her favorite holiday of all, Christmas, where her only wish was to see all of her children’s wishes come true.
As the queen of multi-tasking, she made everything seem effortless, all while looking as if she just walked off the runway.  Except for the time she rushed into the baby shower and pulled the wig right off her head with the car antenna or when she outperformed herself at a job interview only to find out that she was the ideal candidate for the volunteer position, when she inquired about salary. She never missed a hair appointment or date night with our dad and as children, we would be embarrassed when people would say, “we saw your parents walking around holding hands yesterday, ha-ha.”  Looking back, we realize the love and devotion they shared was beyond eternal.
In 2008, her life changed yet again. Losing her husband and love of her life Vincent in January, followed by the loss of her loving son Sam was more than an unbearable loss and yet, she knew she had children and grandchildren who loved her and needed her.  This left her with the will to go on. She loved her family tremendously and we loved her beyond words.
As we grieve, we take comfort in knowing that she was strong and willful right to the very end, and she would not have left us here if her time on earth was not complete. Fulfilling her role as devoted wife and mother, she knew the children she raised would be okay and, in their hands, her precious grandchildren who she loved dearly, would all be okay.
While letting go is difficult, it gives us peace to know that she left us gently and was met by our loving father Vincent and brother Sam who waited 14 long years to be re-united with her again.  We’re sure dad broke out the orange citrus spray and his best cologne, donned a light blue tie to match his sparkling blue eyes, hair combed, shoes shined, suit pressed, smiling, and singing, while ready to take her hand and walk with her once again.

Mom, we love you and will miss you deeply. You will always be in our hearts and continue to live on through us.  This is your time to be in peace and be happy with dad in your eternal place together, until we meet again ...

Carole Ann Sabella is survived by her children, Vincent, jr., Peter, the late Samuel (Dulce), Ruth (Neil) Kessler, Anthony (Melina), Nicholas (Denise), Gina (Tony) Ruffolo, and Dianna (Chace) Akers; loving grandmother of Samuel, Sabrina and Steven Sabella, Christopher, Nicholas, Lucas and Carole Akers, Nina, Tony and Luigi Ruffolo, Peter and Bobby Kessler; fond sister of (the late Donna, Nancy, Warren, Allen), Phyllis and Dolores; and dear aunt of many.

Entombment Mount Emblem Cemetery.