Carolyn M. Carmichael, 89, of Rochester, IL died February 14, 2025, at The Bridge Care Suites in Springfield, IL.

She was born on December 30,1935, to Norbert and Millie Esker in Teutopolis, IL

Carolyn attended Teutopolis High School and St. John's School of Nursing.

She married Delbert Collings on September 13, 1958, and they had three children, Leanne, Roy, and Jennie.

She worked as a Nurse in a variety of different specialties ranging from cardiac ICU to school nursing, and obstetrics.  She retired from Springfield Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates. Carolyn was a caregiver for life as she looked after her children, spouse, parents, siblings or friends, anytime there was a need.

She was an avid golfer – small, but mighty out on the course.  She participated in many outings in the area, her favorite being the Father Franzen Memorial outing, which she usually played with her son Roy, nephew Kevin and friend John.  Carolyn was fortunate to have traveled the world with family. She loved the outdoors and could often been found mushroom hunting with her dad, fishing with her grandchildren, or giving Sassy (her dog) a ride on the 4-wheeler down to the pond. She was an accomplished seamstress and artist and leaves great memories through her work.

Carolyn is survived by three children, Leanne Collings, Roy Collings (Cindy) and Jennie Harling (Alan), six grandchildren – Nicholas Hackett, Timothy Hackett, Stephanie Hunter (Jacob), Kaitlyn Galman (Josh), Jonah Harling and Frankie Collings, six great-grandchildren – Emma Jean Hunter, Hugo Hunter, Addie Hackett, Alex James Hackett, Roger Williams and Carter Galman, seven siblings – Howard Esker (Connie), Richard Esker (Jeannette), Jo Ellen Bretz (Mick), Paul Esker (Emma), Cindy Murdock, Tony Esker (Janet) and Fred Esker (Kathy).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert, parents Norbert and Millie, siblings Barbara Burford (Smokey), Ron Esker (Pam) and Dorothy Buening (George).

Visitation will be Friday, February 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and February 22, from 9:00 – 10:15 am at St. Jude church in Rochester, IL.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 am at St. Jude church in Rochester, IL.  with the Father Peter Chineke officiating.

Inurment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Teutopolis, IL on Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 pm with Father Dean Probst officiating.

Please direct any donations to HSHS St. John's Foundation, specifically for the Millie and Norbert Esker Nursing Scholarship.