Carol S. Kaniewski

age 70, passed away surrounded by her family on January 23, 2015 following a short illness. She was welcomed into heaven by God and her loving parents Veronica and Sylvester Kaniewski. Survived by her sisters Judy (George) Phillips, Bonnie (Dennis) Laurion, Susie (Gary) Johnson, and her brother Ken (Jill) Kaniewski. Nephews and Nieces, Matthew (Chris) Phillips, Kevin Johnson, Keith (Elyse) Johnson, Christopher (Jennifer) Ruf, Katie Ruf, Anna, Emily, and Amy Kaniewski. Great nieces and nephews Veronica and Garret Phillips, Keith Jr, Amira, and Camden Johnson. Aunt Rose (late George) Bach.

Carol led an exceptional life and had an outstanding career centered on caring and giving. She was a graduate of Bishop Noll High school and Purdue University Calumet both of which she supported thought out her life. Her passion was nursing which she exhibited daily at Community Hospital in Munster In. Prior to her retirement in 2011 her profession spanned over 35 years. She was instrumental in developing the first Intermediate Care Unit at Community which she managed as head nurse. She truly earned the respect of many physicians who trusted her judgment. Near the end of her career she moved to Pre-Admitting where she worked to comfort patients upon entering the hospital. But no matter where she was, she related to people, and her first goal was that "Every patient was unique and important". She set the standard for patient care and truly displayed a tireless sensitivity for others.

To say she touched and inspired many lives is not saying enough. Through her illness many of the staff at Community Hospital visited her and remarked that she was instrumental in their hiring and their careers in nursing. Comments of mentoring, caring, kind, intuitive, sweet, a role model, a true friend, generous, and best ever head nurse, were a constant reminder of how phenomenal she was. She encouraged and supported every step her staff took. She guided and shared in every experience, good or bad. She touched and inspired many lives.

To her family she was a leader, not only as the oldest sibling but as someone that would lead the in education and in relationships with others. She many times provided guidance on how to enjoy life much to the chagrin of her parents. Her famous statement when breaking a curfew was "I'm already in trouble, what's another hour or two" and she also taught us how to make a great Vodka Gimlet. Carol's commitment to family was obvious in caring for her parent in their later years. Her family all felt enormous pride anytime someone asked if Carol was our sister, and then described how wonderful she was. Her friends and family will remember the many trips around the country and places they visited with her. These are memories that many will always cherish and share laughter about.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015 beginning with prayers at 9:30 am at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Avenue, Schererville, IN (corner of Main and Kennedy) followed by a 10:00 am mass at St. James the Less Church Highland, IN with Fr. Keith Virus officiating. Carol will be laid to rest at Holy Cross cemetery Calumet City IL. Friends may visit on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 2:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home with a prayer service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of the Calumet Area, Inc.