Sister Carol Brunner, SSND
November 12, 1947 – November 19, 2025
Carol was born on November 12, 1947, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brunner, the third child of the family. She was baptized Carol Ann in St. Gerard’s Chapel, in St. Michael’s Church in Chicago, Illinois. Her older brothers were Norman, ten years older, and Jerry, three years older. Her father died in an accident when she was in the eighth grade, falling from a window he was washing. He was conscious for a week and died from the fall a week later.
Carol attended St. Michael Central High School (in Chicago), graduating in 1965 with highest honors. She worked for two years in a neighborhood bakery after school and in the summer. She also spent two summers working for the firm where her father worked, the Welch Scientific Company.
In 1962, Carol and her mother spent six weeks in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, visiting relatives and friends. Both her parents were born in Germany, and Carol spoke German well.
On August 22, 1965, Carol entered the Postulate in Mequon, Wisconsin. She was received as a novice on July 17, 1966, and became Sister Mary Joseph. She professed on July 18, 1967, and took her final vows in 1972.
Carol worked as a teacher for several years, teaching in both elementary and high schools. She taught at St. James in Highwood, St. Anne in Dixon, St. John de la Salle in Chicago, St. Constance in Chicago, and St. Mary in DeKalb, all in Illinois. She also taught at Madonna High School in Chicago. From 1977-1985, she ministered as Vocation Director for the Chicago/DeKalb Province.
Although Carol loved teaching, she was finally able to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, at the age of 50. During her studies, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery, but didn’t miss a beat and graduated with honors. After graduation, she worked at Ravenswood Hospital, St. Francis Nursing, and at Resurrection Life Center. She ministered at RLS for over 20 years, 7 days a week, even during the pandemic. None was allowed inside at that time during COVID, but that didn’t stop Carol. She went outside the Sisters’ windows, showing pictures and signs, and talking to them on the phone. She was kind and loving. She knew and helped all the residents and their families, the nurses, CNAs, and staff, not just the SSNDs.
Carol entered the hospital in December of 2024 and did not return home. She knew her needs were great and made a selfless and difficult choice. In January of 2025, she took up residence at RLC (Resurrection Life Center). Although she was now a resident, her power wheelchair allowed her to unofficially continue her ministry, encouraging staff and other residents and their families, as she bravely faced her own illness (ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease).
She prayed at the bedside of people who were dying, comforted and visited many. A minister to the end!
Carol died on November 18th, 2024. Her viewing and Mass of Resurrection were held on November 29th, 2025, at Marian Village in Homer Glen, IL. Burial followed the ceremony at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
By S. Charlaine Fill and S. Shirley Stockus
