Carrie L. Brantley, 71, passed away on January 28, 2025, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, IL. She was born on April 21, 1953, to Therese Rachel Guenette and Rowland Leonard Singleton.

Carrie grew up in Burbank, CA, and graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1971, where she served as President of the Instrumental Music Association. She was an active member of her high school’s Drum and Bugle Corps marching band and continued to follow marching bands when they visited Northern Illinois University every summer.

At the age of 18, Carrie began her lifelong career in nursing as a nurse’s aide. While working in California, she met her husband, David, who was stationed there with the U.S. Marine Corps. They married on April 22, 1972, and later settled in Illinois to grow and raise their family.

Carrie had a deep love for music and played the violin in the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra for many years. She played the piano, viola, and the flute. She also taught the flag program at DeKalb High School and volunteered with the elementary school PTA, making costumes for school plays. Her passion for theater continued later in life when she began volunteering and eventually managing the Egyptian Theatre.

When she returned to the workforce, Carrie worked at McDonald’s, coordinating children’s birthday parties before resuming her nursing career. She worked as a nursing assistant at Pine Acres Care Center and, with determination and perseverance, obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. At the age of 58, she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree and continued her career at Kindred Hospital, where she worked until her retirement in 2018.

Carrie took great pride in her role as a nurse, ensuring every patient received compassionate care. She was known for decorating Kindred Hospital during each season, placing decorations on patients’ doors and making the nurses’ station feel warm and welcoming. She was a meticulous nurse and enjoyed mentoring others in the field. 

Beyond nursing, Carrie had a passion for gardening. She spent years planting flowers at Kindred Hospital’s courtyard for the enjoyment of patients, visitors, and staff. Even after retirement, she continued gardening at her home, and her children’s home-often by Facetime. 

Above all, Carrie was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to all who knew her. She treasured time with her family and made it a priority to stay involved with her siblings, her dearest close friend Cheryl McMillon, and her grandchildren’s lives, often Face Timing their activities, from orchestra concerts to sporting events. She shared wisdom, patience, and kindness with all who knew her. Her family often scheduled daily times to talk with her, reflecting the deep love and connection she fostered with each of them.

Carrie is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, David Brantley; daughters Theresa (Pete) Hove of Sycamore, Elizabeth (Mark) Wirsing of Tucson, AZ, Jennifer (Ritchie Iracheta) Boesche of DeKalb, and Victoria (Jose) Nicola of Moyock, NC. She is also survived by her siblings: Deidre (Geno) Ross of Burbank, CA, Ronald Singleton of Yucaipa, CA, Curtis (Theresa) Singleton of Mt. Dora, FL, and Kathy (Richard) Kellerhouse of California, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was a proud grandmother to Melanie Van Vlerah, Nathan Van Vlerah, Wesley (Emily) Parker, Justin Parker, Sam (Paxton) Rush, Brooke Panttila, Ethan Boesche, Abby Boesche, Ryley Boesche, Audrey Wirsing, Morgan Hove, Juan Carlos Nicola, and Luca Nicola. She also adored her great-grandchildren: Zevaya Morgan, Zaire Morgan, Layne Rush, Bennett Parker, and soon-to-be Maudie Rush, expected in March 2025.

Carrie was preceded in death by her infant son, Jacob Brantley, as well as her parents and grandparents.

Despite her health struggles, Carrie did everything possible to extend her life and cherish time with her loved ones.

Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Dr. Paul Nguyen, Dr. Muhammad Hussain, Dr. Umesh Patel, Dr. Aamir Memon, Kindred Hospital Sycamore and staff, Dr. Mutazz Darweesh, the Intervascular team at Northwestern Hospital, Dr. Christopher Berry, Teresa Ferris, APN, and the entire staff at DaVita Timberlake Dialysis Center. Their exceptional care helped give Carrie eight more years to enjoy life with her family and friends. 

Carrie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83617077949?pwd=GDIQdwaXmcp7mR1JPw51YZ6NCHairw.1

Meeting ID: 836 1707 7949
Passcode: 791268

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Brantley Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.