Carol Jeanne Handel, nee Niederriter, age 75, of O'Fallon, Ill., born July 30, 1943, found eternal rest surrounded by many of her dear friends on August 20, 2018.

Carol grew up in Chicago, and graduated from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. She married David Paul Handel and together, they raised their beloved son Christopher David, who preceded them in death.

As a military wife, Carol put her country before her family in support of David's service.  As a teacher and later, as a special education paraprofessional, Carol worked diligently to make certain all students learned and were prepared for their future.  As a devout Catholic, she provided countless hours of service to her community and her churches, both St. Nicholas Parish and Corpus Christi Parish. Carol delighted in entertaining, as friends and family were her passion. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and meaningful way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David, formerly of the US Air Force, her son, Christopher, her sister, Judith and her parents Vincent and Alice.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Wilfred "Bill" (Joan) Handel of Florida, her nephews, Ken (Ann) McCormick and William (Marlo) McCormick of Wisconsin, and many close friends in O'Fallon and across the country.

Her family would like to thank the Visiting Angels of Belleville, particularly Evelyn and Mamie, the staff of the Colonnade in O'Fallon, her guardian angel, and her cherished and special friends for the kindness and care they provided her in the later years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church or St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:30 am, Monday, August 27, 2018 at the DAY CHAPEL at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am, Monday, August 27, 2018 at the church's Day Chapel, with Msgr. William Hitpas and Msgr. James Margason concelebrating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.