Carol I. Rizzo

Carol I. Rizzo, 66, of Spring Grove, died peacefully on May 15, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

Carol was born in Chicago on October 12, 1959, to parents Walter and Violet (nee Gabriel) Ziarko. She grew up in a large family with eight brothers and two sisters. She loved being an aunt and was thrilled when her first nephew, Ed, was born. Her loved ones were incredibly important to her and she took pride in caring for family members and close friends, especially acting as caregiver for her mother.

Carol loved sharing her life with her husband and soulmate Gary. He was the love of her life and together they shared many adventures.

Carol was known for her big heart and she poured love in everything she did. She was a devoted sister and friend, and would help anyone who needed it. She volunteered where needed and was truly beautiful inside and out.

Carol loved spending time outside and was an excellent gardener. She spent countless hours tending to her flower garden and loved seeing them bloom. She also loved decorating her home and making it a beautiful space for her and Gary.

She also took great joy in cooking and baking, never attending a party or holiday gathering without a favorite dish or a tray of cookies. She loved to experiment and had many favorite recipes, but her Christmas cookies were by far the best. Her waitressing skills were always present and she greeted everyone she met with a warm hug and a smile.

Carol was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and loved attended games, even if it was a cold spring day.

Carol was a dedicated wife, step-mom, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend who will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 11 years, Gary Rizzo, her step-son, Charles Rizzo, her siblings, Walter Ziarko, Maryann Kelly, Sylvia Martin, Jim Ziarko, Mike Ziarko, Albert Ziarko, Rick Ziarko, and their spouses, Gary’s siblings, Charles (Wendy) Rizzo, and Diane Nicholson, her goddaughter, Ashley Marie Kelly, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Ron Ziarko, John Ziarko, and Joe Ziarko, and her beloved dog, Greta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741