Carol Ann Howard, 60, passed away at 12:05 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2024 at her home, following a courageous and hard fought battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Carol was born on February 21, 1964 in Carrollton, Illinois, one of eight children born to Elmer and Roberta (Waters) Sievers.
She grew up in the Nutwood area of Jersey County, and graduated with the Class of 1982 from Jersey Community High School.
She later went on to further her education at JB Johnson in Alton, Illinois, where she earned her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
She married Timothy Howard on May 17, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and albeit far too short, they have shared in some of the greatest memories throughout their 14 years of marriage.
In total, Carol spent 30 years in Nursing, working at various facilities throughout her career, including: Alton Memorial Hospital, where she was employed for many years; as well as Jerseyville Manor, where she has spent the past 8 years of her career.
Carol was a self-proclaimed “workaholic” and while that was absolutely true, she also became quite the shopaholic, after her grandchildren were born. She was extremely proud of them all, speaking of them often and spoiling them at every opportunity.
Nursing was more than just a job to Carol, it was her passion and she personified every quality that one would seek to find in a nurse. She had a natural gift of serving others, a trait that she exemplified through mentoring many nurses, sharing her wisdom and the experience that she had gained over the years. She was very conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and compassion. Her patients, their families and her co-workers truly became an extension of Carol’s family and she treated them all as if they were just that: Family.
Even after her diagnosis, Carol continued to embrace everyone she met with a smile on her face, and determination to always express her love and gratitude. She faced her illness gracefully, and never lost her positive spirit. Her bravery was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting and supporting others is a testament to the power of her contagious spirit. Carol’s kindness, warmth and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Carol’s legacy is one of love, kindness and generosity. She touched the lives of countless people during her lifetime, and her impact will continue to be felt for many years to come. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through the countless lives she impacted and the example of courage and kindness she set for them all.
In addition to her husband, Tim, Carol is survived by three children, Chris (Amy) Ewen of Jerseyville, Jeff Ewen and his fiancé, Bre Hardwick of Pittsfield and Jeremy Ewen of Bethalto; seven grandchildren, Bryce, Conon, Mason, Isaac, Noah, Jocelyn and Zachary; a sister, Debbie Sievers of Hartford; three brothers, Joey (Sue) Sievers of Fieldon, David (Liz) Sievers of Godfrey and Bobby (Jocelyn) Sievers of Alton; along with many dear friends and colleagues.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Sievers; her mother and step-father, Roberta and Frank Gimlin; two brothers, Steven and Gregory Sieves; as well as a sister, Cheryl Sievers.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until time of services at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to the Activity Department at Jerseyville Manor, for the continued benefit of the patients that Carol so deeply loved.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
