A Legacy of Love and Care: Remembering Carmen William Foreman

It’s with a profound sense of loss, yet also immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we share the news of Carmen William Foreman’s peaceful passing. Carmen, a cherished wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and truly extraordinary nurse, departed this world on February 13, 2024, just shy of her 80th birthday. She left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered, truly, right up to the very end.

Born on April 11, 1944, Carmen’s journey began with a spirit of kindness that would define her entire life. For 57 remarkable years, she was the beloved partner and confidante of her husband, John "Jack" Foreman. Their enduring love story was, quite simply, an inspiration – a testament to partnership, support, and shared joy. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising their two sons, David (Michelle) and Michael (Stephanie), with endless love and wisdom. Oh, how she delighted in her seven granddaughters: Katherine, Claire, Mary, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Emma! Their laughter and growth brought her immeasurable happiness; she truly cherished every moment spent with them, often beaming with pride as she watched them flourish.

Carmen’s professional calling was clear from the start: nursing. After graduating from St. Mary of Nazareth School of Nursing, she embarked on a career that spanned more than five decades. She began her compassionate work at St. Francis Hospital, but it was at Glenbrook Hospital where she truly made her home, dedicating 35 years of unwavering service. To say she loved her work would be an understatement. Carmen possessed a remarkable ability to connect with patients, offering not just medical care, but genuine comfort, understanding, and a reassuring presence during their most vulnerable moments. She embodied the very essence of what it means to be a healer, always going that extra mile, you know?

Beyond her tireless dedication to nursing, Carmen embraced life with a joyful enthusiasm. She was an avid reader, often lost in the pages of a captivating historical fiction novel, eager to explore new worlds and bygone eras. Her hands, when not busy caring for others, found solace and joy in her garden, nurturing blooms and greenery with the same care she gave to her family. And her cooking? Well, let's just say her lasagna and pumpkin bread were legendary – recipes shared with love, creating delicious memories for everyone fortunate enough to taste them.

Travel was another passion, with cherished family vacations taking them to breathtaking national parks, the sunny shores of Florida, and the charming landscapes of Door County. She possessed a keen appreciation for art, music, and history, enriching her own life and often sharing those passions with those around her. Those who knew Carmen will forever remember her generosity, her thoughtfulness, and that incredibly selfless spirit. She carried herself with such positivity, always offering a warm, inviting smile, and her laugh? It was absolutely infectious, truly capable of brightening even the gloomiest of days.

Carmen was preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Lillian Furlin. She leaves behind her dear siblings: Patricia (Michael) Miller, Christine (Donald) Ransford, Mary Ann (Joseph) Polick, and Frank (Catherine) Furlin, along with a wide circle of friends and extended family who will miss her deeply. Her absence creates a void, yes, but her legacy of compassion, love, and unwavering positivity will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

To honor Carmen’s remarkable life, friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, located at 1240 Waukegan Road in Glenview. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street, Glenview, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Carmen’s name to The Sisters of Christian Charity or the Alzheimer’s Association, causes close to her heart.