Carolyn "Dolly" Rolnik

In loving memory of our kind mother. May her bright spirit carry on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Carolyn Rolnik ("Carolyn Anitra Peterson") of Palatine, Illinois.

Carolyn passed peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, January 8th. She was born on March 14, 1937, and lived a long, full life. Warm and gracious, she was fondly known as Dolly by her family and childhood friends.

In 1964, Carolyn married Al Rolnik, and they began a life raising four children while living abroad. Along the way, they treasured the hospitality of Japan and the beauty of Belgium, Holland, and Wales. They sledded sand dunes in Saudi Arabia and crossed over mountains to reach the beaches in Venezuela. Carolyn held the family together, adapting to new and diverse cultures, and turning each new place into a home. 

Carolyn had a bright smile and remarkably cheerful spirit. She loved conversation, easily reconnecting with old friends when the family returned to the United States. She took great pride in her home and community and seemed to know nearly every neighbor on the block. She built lasting connections and touched many lives through her genuine acts of friendship, kindness, and care.

Carolyn was a talented artist and very creative. She could make something fun and delightful out of nothing—paper mache piñatas, knit sweaters, costumes. Carolyn loved holidays, especially Christmas. She made it magical by honoring family traditions and decorating with careful attention to detail

She was an avid gardener who carefully tended her perennial gardens, timed with colorful blooms throughout the seasons,  She loved music, theater and dance and had a natural ability to sketch and paint, which she expressed in water color landscapes that froze peaceful moments in time.

She made everything she touched more beautiful—and she saw beauty and strength in others, encouraging her children to recognize their talents and be confident and proud. 

Throughout life, Carolyn carried a strong and steady sense of faith. If she were with us today, she would say how much she valued her family and friends and not to mourn her but instead honor her by living a life with intention and grace. Carolyn modeled both physical and inner strength and how to appreciate what you have. She gave so much more, and every life she touched is the better for it.

Carolyn is survived by her last-living sister, Rhea Little; her husband, Al Rolnik; her children, Robert, Connie, Nancy, and Marci; her eight grandchildren and large extended family. She was predeceased in death by her father, P. Gilbert Peterson, her mother, Cammie Lois Peterson, and her sisters, Cynthia Ferrer and Gwen Stacell. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Charitable Donations

We are making donations to The Cure for Alzheimer's Fund in Carolyn's memory. The fund is run by a federally tax-exempt non-profit organization that supports research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease. Please join us if you feel so inclined.

Your gift is meaningful to us and to all families affected by this debilitating condition.

Together, let us continue our mom's example of kindness and generosity. You can also support this cause by spreading awareness and sharing your time and talents in volunteer service.

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