Caroline Lee (née O’Dowd) of Chicago, formerly of Ballisodare, Co. Sligo, Ireland passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025.
Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary, and her brothers Michael, Bernard, and Nace.
Loving wife of Raymond and dear mother to Gavin, Colin, and her favorite son Logan.
Caroline will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her brother Dessie (Breda) of Galway, and sisters Rose of Southport, Josephine of California, Marion (Keith) of Burnley, Claire (Arthur) of Burnley, and Siobhan of Sligo; her aunt and godmother Cecila Brennan (née Coggins) of Sligo; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; in-laws Katherine O’Dowd of Sligo, Judy, Philip, David, Kenneth, and Mark; close family friends the Malees of Chicago; and her wide circle of friends near and far.
May her kind, fun-loving and gentle soul Rest in Peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation 9:00 AM until Memorial Mass 10:00 AM at St. Francis Borgia Church in the chapel, 8021 W Addison St. Interment Private.
Sorry to hear RIP Caroline
Deepest sympathies to Ray,Colin and Gavin, and the extended Lee and O’Dowd families. May he gentle soul rest in peace
Ray, we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Carolines sudden passing. She was such a lovely lady and the few times we met was full of craic and banter. We are thinking of you and the boys during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Deepest sympathies to Ray, Gavin, Colin and all the extended family. So sorry to hear such sad news about Caroline’s passing. Thinking of all Caroline’s family and friends and this time.
Dear Caroline, you were always such fun and a lovely sister-in-law. We will miss you. Rest in peace. Judy xx
We are shocked…so many happy memories of visiting chicago over the the last 30 years. Caroline and Ray, hosted many welcomes and gatherings. I’m heartbroken for you all. She will certainly be missed. Sending love to Ray Gavin and Colin. No words…xxx
Adrienne, Owen, Holly and Evan.
To Ray, Gavin, Colin, her family and friends, especially the Malees, my deepest sympathies to you all! She was truly one of a kind and left an imprint in those she met with her Witt and honesty! I always enjoyed meeting her, especially with the Malees as the banter was always great! Thinking of you all as your hearts are broken! May she fly high with the angels! Rest in peace Caroline🙏💔
Sincere condolences to Ray, Gavin and Colin. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Lots of fond memories of Caroline on visits to Chicago
So very sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers for your family RIP
Deepest sympathies to Ray , Colin and Gavin and the extended family and friends . You will be in our thoughts and prayers . Hilda , charlie , jessica and Kelsie x
Caroline had a heart of gold, would do anything for you and always laughed at our jokes and the games we played .
May The Good Lord Hold You In The Palm
Of His Hands dear Caroline .
To Ray and the boys, we are so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Caroline. Many a good day we spent with her in Chicago over the years. We will keep you in our prayers. May she rest in peace.
Dear Ray, Gavin & Colin, We are so very sorry for your unbelievable loss & pain. Caroline was one of the best. She was a great cook, host, and most of all, a true Irish friend who was always up for a good laugh and an inevitable Joe Dolan sing along. We can’t begin to understand why she’s left us all so soon but know, we’ll never forget her. Thinking of you with hugs and love. RIP Sweet Caroline.
Miriam & Brian
My deepest condolences to you all at this very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Ray.
Tc Damian and family
A brief moment shared, a gentle soul now flown,
Though days were few, the impact shown.
A spark of light, a whispered grace,
Now held within this hallowed space.
A joy, a gift, so quickly passed,
But love’s bright echo will forever last.
May your memory bring comfort to us all,
A gentle light, beyond the grave’s dark wall.
Dear Ray, Gavin and Colin, I am still so shocked. Caroline was always a breath of fresh air, funny and great craic, a pleasure to meet and chat with, a loving lady. She will be sorely missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. Rest in Peace, Love Ken.
Deepest condolences Raymond, Gavin and Colin, so sorry to hear of the loss of Caroline so suddenly, may she rest in peace
To Ray, Gavin, Colin and the extended Lee and O Dowd families.. we are so shocked and saddened to hear of Caroline’s sudden passing.. we have brilliant memories of our visits to Chicago with you all.. Taken way too soon. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time x
Dear Ray,
I’m so so sorry to hear about Caroline. Very fond memories during my early emigrating years in Chicago as your neighbor. I’m thinking of you, Colin and Gavin during this tough time.
David Doyle (Boston)
Ray we are so shocked and saddened with Caroline’s passing.. we have many fond memories of our visits to Chicago with you all. Sending hugs and strength to you and the boys in the days and weeks ahead.
Michelle kenny and David langan
We are so sorry to hear of Caroline’s sudden passing. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to meet her. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Sending condolences to you all. Dave and Lorraine Finn and family xx
All of us at NYSSOMS were terribly saddened to learn of Caroline’s sudden passing. She seemed a beautiful soul and it was always great working with her these many years. She will be missed. Eternel rest grant unto thee, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
My sincere condolences to Caroline’s family. I worked with her at AAOMS from 2013-2018. We shared many laughs at the lunchroom table. May she be welcomed warmly by those that have gone before her. Rest in peace, Caroline.
Ray, I was so sorry to hear of Caroline’s sudden death. Thinking of you all. I met her at Clare and Bens wedding and she was a really lovely friendly lady. May she rest in peace.
Sending you and your family my deepest condolences 💐 and prayers.
Gavin,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom- you and your family are in our prayers .
Our deepest condolences,
Piotrowski Park Staff
Joann Crystal & Ivy
Very Sad News💔
Ray, Gavin & Colin, Family & Dear Friends,My sincere condolences to you and your family . Thinking & Praying for you all in this sad time. Caroline was such a beautiful person always a good time when we would meet🥰
May her Beautiful Soul Rest in Peace❤️
Caroline Fab Chicago & Killarney💚
Gavin,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. you and your family our in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
Piotrowski Park Staff
Joann, Crystal & Ivy
Very Sad News💔
Ray, Gavin & Colin, Family & Dear Friends,My sincere condolences to you and your family . Thinking & Praying for you all in this sad time. Caroline was such a beautiful person always a good time when we would meet🥰
May her Beautiful Soul Rest in Peace❤️
Gavin,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you and your family through this time.
Vittum Park
Erin, Shelby & Caitlin
Deepest condolences to Ray and all the family from David & Janice ORourke. Rip Caroline
Sincere condolences to Ray, Gavin, Colin & all the O Dowd Family. Such a lovely lady & will be missed by many. May she rest in peace.
40 years ago this weekend I was best man at your wedding to Caroline. I remember that morning as you both knelt down in the Church in Ballisodare that I had written in chalk unknown to you, “Save Me” on both of your brand new shoes.
But you were not saved.
You were just very lucky. You found a partner and best friend for life. You both saw each other through thick and thin. You were eventually blessed with two lovely boys. You found a lovely home in Chicago and brought them up.
You, Gavin and Colin are her legacy
I am deeply sorry myself, Catriona and the boys cannot be there for you all.
Your Brother
Philip
Avoca
Sincere condolences to Ray and the boys, Caroline was such a lovely person and was very welcoming when we visited Chicago, may she rest in peace
Brian& Michelle Kenny, Galway
Heartfelt condolences to Caroline’s family and loved ones. Caroline was special to everyone who knew her, she made significant contributions to our profession and her warmth will be missed. May you find comfort in the memories of her generosity, dedication, loving spirit, and the lasting impact she had on so many.