Carolyn Hilpert

Carolyn Hilpert, 60, of Cary, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023. She was born on August 2, 1963 in Newton, New Jersey, to the late Walter and Dolores Pavilonis and spent her childhood in Hackettstown, NJ, graduating in the class of 1981.

Carolyn's life took a joyful turn when she married Scott Hilpert on May 22, 1999. Together, they created a loving home and raised two children, Olivia and Andrew. After a successful 16-year career, Carolyn chose to resign in 2001 to become a stay-at-home mom, a role she embraced with pride and excelled in for over 21 years.

Her involvement in her children's education and extracurricular activities was evident through her active participation in the Cary Elementary schools, Cary Junior High, and Cary Grove High School. She was also a dedicated Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader for both of her children. Besides her contributions to her family, Carolyn volunteered at Willow Creek Church and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, impacting many lives in her community.

Carolyn held a special place in her heart for the New Jersey Shore, a family destination she grew up with & still visits.   She also cherished those trips to visit her family & friends back in New Jersey.  For the last 25 years she enjoyed spending time at Scott's family cabin (Pork Chop Island) in Ely, Minnesota. Her love for nature extended to her countless hours she spent nurturing her beautiful garden. Weekly visits to the local farmers market was also a joy for her.  Sunshine, flowers & wearing bright colors brought her happiness. She often said that she would like her celebration of life to look just like that.

A creative soul, Carolyn used her talents to bless friends and causes dear to her heart with her wonderful craft & hobby creations. She was known for creating a safe and loving space, not only for her own family but for many of her children’s friends, who saw her as a second mother. Her enthusiasm for holidays, cooking, and decorating was infectious, and she was renowned for her holiday recipes and baked goods.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Scott; children, Olivia and Andrew; sisters, Cindy (Eugene) Topoleski, Linda (Christopher) Becker, and Barbara (Dennis)-Bisson; her in-laws, Will and Carol Hilpert; sisters-in-law, Kristine (Chris) Hesch, and Ann (Dan) Batkiewcz; along with many adored nieces and nephews, Eugene, Annie, Walter, Emily, Christopher, Daniel, Haley, Tommy, Emelia & Max.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, from 4 pm until 8 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  A visitation will continue on Saturday from  10:30 am until a Celebration of Life service at 12 noon at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 Algonquin Rd., South Barrington, with a luncheon for friends and family to follow.

If you choose to send flowers, please consider Countryside Flowers at 815-459-8130 or see a link for Phillips Flowers below.

Live Stream access request for the service should be sent to CarolynHilpert12523@gmail.  An email will be sent back to you Saturday morning.