In Loving Memory Karole L. (Hitchcock) Kettering: 10/3/43 - 6/21/13

Karole Kettering passed away on the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2013, after suffering a serious stroke on June 15. She was surrounded by her loving family and slipped the bonds of this life around 4:00 am. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Floyd; and her children, Rebecca (and Paul) Yambrovich of Oak Park, IL and Bill (and Lan) Kettering of West Chicago, IL. She will be sorely missed by her loving grand children Morganne and Olyvea Yambrovich, Grace Nguyen, and Casey and Addoline Kettering, as well as myriad friends.

Karole had two passions in life - her family and Service to those in need. The passion for her family was readily apparent to anyone that knew Karole, and her passion for service was readily apparent through the results of the Humanitarian Service Project, which Karole founded and directed for 31 years, until the day she passed.

In 1979, inspired by the Theosophical Order of Service, Karole wanted to help others in our community who might not have the resources to give their children a great Christmas experience and thus began the annual Christmas Offering. Working with the DuPage County health nurses, Karole was able to rally friends, family, and acquaintances to create an abundant Christmas experience for 35 local families.

In 1982, with encouragement from the DuPage County nurses, Karole decided to extend her service efforts year-round and developed the Senior Citizen Project to aid local seniors living in impoverished conditions. This was the beginning of the Humanitarian Service Project as an official charity and the umbrella organization for the existing projects and what would eventually grow to include the Children’s Birthday Project, Feed the Kids, and a School Supply Project serving all of DuPage County and part of Kane County, Illinois.

There will be a memorial service celebrating Karole’s life to be held on Monday July 8, 7:00 PM, at the Theosophical Society in America, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187 (630-668-1571). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humanitarian Service Project Endowment Fund (465 Randy Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188; 630-221-8340) are greatly appreciated. (www.humanitarianservice.org)