Born: June 17, 1944 - Deceased: July 23, 2022
Carol Ann Brawley, nee Meile, 78, of Glen Carbon, IL, born Saturday, June 17, 1944, in East St. Louis, IL, was called to heaven Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, IL. She bravely fought Covid Pneumonia, Cancer and COPD which took her life far too soon for her and for all who knew and loved her dearly. She is now resting in peace and enjoying laughs with those family and friends that went before her.
She was an incredible pillar and matriarch to our family. She was a Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Godmother and dear friend to many over her lifetime. The people who knew her, loved her “sass” and zest for life. Spending time with her family, most notably daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren were extra special to her including dog sitting her grand-dog, Murphy.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents, James L. Sr., and Dolores A., nee Wolf, Meile
- Brother, Jeffrey A. Meile, Sr.
- Sister-in-law, Patty Meile;
- Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Surviving are her:
- Daughter, Nicole (David) Decker of O’Fallon, IL
- Three Brothers:
- James L. Meile, Jr. of Bethalto, IL
- J. Craig (Denise) Meile of Lakeside, CA
- Dennis S. (Denise) Meile of Swansea, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Liam Decker
- Emily Decker
- Sister-in-law, Pam Henard
- Many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Carol graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in East St. Louis, IL and went on to build a career as an Administrative Assistant for the United States Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service. Retirement came too soon, but was well appreciated when she was able to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren; Liam and Emily. Food has always been a love of hers, whether she was binge watching Food Network shows, enjoying her favorites Mexican and Asian food, or just staying home to make her loved ones a home cooked meal. She could make a mean tuna fish sandwich and “homemade” boxed brownies!
Many of her fond memories were hosting sleep overs with her grandchildren; she created a new younger fan base for Magnum PI, MacGyver, Hawaii 50 and NCIS. The last few years she had been an extended house guest on her daughter’s couch, spending several months in the Decker mayhem while she underwent house renovations and chemo. She especially loved shopping (big fan of Home Goods) and finding good bargains. Her generosity was one of her greatest traits. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to any of her friends or family.
Her care, compassion and connection to people were some of her most endearing qualities. Decades of friendships, some near and some far, were all very important to her. Her spirit lives on in all of us that loved her and she will be greatly missed.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gateway Hemophilia Association of St. Louis, MO or the charity of your choice.
Funeral: A private family service will be planned at a later date.
18 Comments
Nicole, Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your mother. You are an expression of God’s desire that her spirit and memory remain.
Thanks So much Jim.
My sincere and heart felt condolences to Carol’s family. I have fond memories of Carol from being one of the kids on the block, back on 42nd street in East St. Louis in the 1950s. May God Bless.
Ron,
Love hearing that you have been friends since you were young. She always spoke fondly about that time in her life. Thank you.
Oh lovely Cousin Carol, you will be sorely missed. Loved each and every time minute I spent with this amazing lady. Thanks for the memories. Love you lots. Miss you already.
All my love to Nik, David, Liam and Emily.
Love,
Cousin Sam
Sam, thank you so much for the kind words. Amazing how fast life changes but you can always reflect on the good memories with the ones you loved.
Nicole Thinking of you and praying for peace for you all – big hugs
Thank you Dawn. Much love back to you
Sending prayers from all of her friends in Louisville.
Cathy Hagan &Famiy
Marty & Marian Burke and family
And all of the rest of the Derby celebration bunch. She will be missed
Thank you so much Cathy. Mom loved you guys very much and treasured your friendship over the years.
Nicole, you have lost a treasure. May you always remember the blessings of such a wonderful Mother.
Thanks Kev. She was a great mom too.
Remember only the good times…
Thanks Rose. Hard to say good-bye, but have awesome memories to reflect back on.
Carol was a lovely and fun loving woman. She was always willing help others at work with that beautiful smile on her face.
Dennis, my deepest sympathy to U & your family. So sorry for your lost.
May U find comfort in your fond memories.
As a newly-minted Postal Inspector in November 1980, I walked through the door of the US Postal Inspection Service office at the St. Louis Main Post Office, and the first person I met was Carol. She was the Drill Instructor with a heart of gold, the glue that held everything together. I never heard anyone say a cross word to her or about her, and that’s a credit to who she was – a beautiful woman. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Brian,
This is exactly how Bill felt about Carol. She was the glue that held everything together & did it with that beautiful smile too.