Carole M. Eipers, nee Juckniess, of Westchester, formerly of Riverside, age 79. Beloved wife of the late Raymond Eipers; loving mother of Nicholas and devoted dog Jacob; preceded in death by her brothers Robert (Mary) and Richard (Maria) Juckniess; fond aunt of many nieces, nephews and cousins. Carole survived September 11, 2001; she was at work two blocks from the World Trade Center when the planes struck and was evacuated from her nearby residence for over two months. She attained the following degrees throughout her life: Doctor of Ministry, Graduate Theological Foundation, Notre Dame, IN., 1988; Master of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University of Chicago, 1980; B.A. in Education, cum laude, Edgewood College, Madison, WI., 1969; Graduate study in Ecumenism (Rome, Italy, 1994); Post-graduate studies in Anthropology and Archaeology (Deia, Mallorca, Spain 1989); Theology and Storytelling (Carlow, Ireland, 1987); Scripture, Archaeology, and Eastern Religions (Israel, 1985); Counseling Psychology (Wisconsin, 1976); Participated in archaeological excavations in Mallorca, Spain (1989) and Israel (1985). She once said, if she could live another lifetime, she would be an archaeologist; Catholic Theological Union Study Tours of Greece and Turkey (2015) and Egypt (2017). Carole continued her studies and education through 2022. She was a Member of Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society at Edgewood College, Madison, WI; Respected Fellow of the Graduate Theological Foundation and past president of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership, Washington, DC; Member of the Chicago Association of Religious Educators and Member of the board of directors of the ACTA Foundation. She earned many awards in her lifetime, including the Damen Award, Loyola University Institute of Pastoral Studies, 2017; National Conference of Parish Catechetical Directors, Emmaus Award 2015; Trinity High School Alumnae Award, 2014; F. Sadlier Dinger Award for Excellence in Catechesis, 2012; Spirit of CARE Award, Chicago Association of Religious Educators, 2012 & 2001; Sapientia et Doctrina Award, Fordham University New York, 2008; Doctor of Education, honoris causa, Graduate Theological Foundation, 2000 and Adolescent Catechist of the Year, Catholic Youth Office, Archdiocese of Chicago, 1991. Carole held the following positions throughout her career: Executive Director Mission Integration, St. Paul VI Parish (Formerly St. Mary, Mater Christi and St. Hugh Parishes) 2021–2022; Pastoral Associate, St Mary Parish, Riverside 2020-2021; Pastoral Associate, Queen of All Saints Parish, Chicago 2016-2020; Vice President (in 2005) and Executive Director of Catechetics, William H. Sadlier, Inc., New York 2001-2016; Director of the Office for Catechesis, Archdiocese of Chicago 1992-2001; Pastoral Associate, St. Patrick Parish, Lake Forest, IL 1988-1989; Founding Director of Middle School, Providence-St. Mel High School, Chicago 1987-1988; Director of Religious Education, Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Palos Park, IL 1985-1987; beloved Junior High Teacher, St. Mary School, Riverside 1976-1986 and grade school teacher, St. Mary School, Riverside and St. Edmunds School, Oak Park 1970-1976. In addition, her freelance career included the following: she gave keynote addresses, workshops, retreats, missions and days of reflection throughout the United States, as well as Canada, Ireland, England, Italy, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and United Arab Emirates. She was renowned for her costumes and props. Carole authored 12 books for Catholic publishers around the world and was a contributing author to many more. She was the researcher, author and editor of "History, Heritage, Vision", History of Saint Mary Parish, Riverside, Illinois (1983) and wrote hundreds of articles for magazines, newspapers, and syndicated bulletins. At various times, Carole was Adjunct faculty at Loyola of New Orleans; Saint Joseph College of Maine; Saint Mary of the Lake University, Mundelein Seminary and the Institute for Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago. She had a long-standing involvement in the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership. She served as President 1996-1997; served on Executive Committee 1995-1998 and served on the Board of Directors 1993-1995. Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Monday, May 13, 2024, at St. Paul VI Parish (formerly St. Mary Church), 105 Herrick Road, Riverside for an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. The Mass for Carole Eipers will be livestreamed at the following link: (St. Mary Church) (youtube.com)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SweCCkVld4 Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hinsdale Humane Society ( www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org ) in Carole's memory. Arrangements entrusted to the Original Kuratko Family – Kenneth D. Kuratko, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.