It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carole Jean Weinberg, a beloved soul who touched the lives of many. Carole, aged 74, departed on June 14, 2024, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Born to Michael and Patricia Arra on October 6, 1949, in Chicago, IL. She spent her formative years attending Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights before relocating with her parents and five siblings to Madison, WI, where she attended Edgewood High School. She loved her role as an Executive Administrator, spending over 46 years with The Alter Group in Wilmette, IL.

Carole’s essence was defined by her deep love for family and friends, as well as her unwavering passion for travel, cooking, reading, art, animals, anything Christmas, the Hallmark channel, and embracing life’s adventures. She found joy in music, particularly Andrea Bocelli, which often filled her kitchen as she cooked or baked. Carole wanted to see the world and meet new people, highly encouraging others to do the same. Traveling to over 70 countries throughout her lifetime, she tried to make the most of every day, doing what other people dreamed of doing their entire lives. If Carole had the chance to say something to those of us grieving her loss, she would probably tell us all to “Just stop it!” She was adamant that people need to continue on and not waste any moments to come with sadness. Despite her petite stature, she possessed a resilience akin to steel and a heart as vast as the ocean for those fortunate enough to have known her. Her daughter affectionately referred to her as “The General,” a testament to her strong and fiercely independent Italian spirit.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Gina O’Connor; grandchildren, Daniel, Matthew, Erin, and Frankie; siblings Lynne Turcott, Lare Arra, and Rick Giffin; and long-time partner, John Scott. Carole was preceded in death by both her parents, Michael and Patricia Arra; her brother, Mike Arra; and her sister Sandra Rook. In honoring Carole’s memory, we will also share her favorite cookie recipe. Let us cherish the moments shared, the lessons learned, and the love she so generously bestowed upon all who knew her. May her spirit continue to inspire us to live with courage, compassion, and a zest for life, just as she did. Her legacy is one of boundless love and acceptance. She welcomed everyone without judgment, regardless of sexuality, religion, or societal norms. May her actions and values continue to inspire and influence those who knew her and beyond. We hope her memory brings comfort and joy, and that her impact is felt for generations to come.

And as Carole would say: Always save room for dessert, always buy the best quality bed sheets you can afford, and always carry “lippies” in your purse. La Dolce Vita!

ITALIAN LEMON COOKIES

COOKIES –

350 degrees until browned

3 heaping Tbsp. Of Crisco – 1/2 stick of butter – Melt together.

3/4 cup milk – 12 eggs – beaten very well – (Save 4 whites and add extra egg) – 1 cup sugar – add to eggs

1 whole lemon (pulp & juice) – 1 tsp. vanilla – 12 tsps. baking powder (level) – flour – make dough soft (not hard) knead – Put on bread board – rub hands with butter – roll out small piece at a time into snakes & curl – bake on bottom shelf then switch to top shelf

FROSTING –

4 egg whites (stiffly beaten)

Powdered sugar – as much as needed

Mix together into frosting

When cookies are warm, squeeze 1 whole lemon over all of them – ice when cool.

Funeral services honoring Carole’s life will be held privately.

Memorial donations in Carole’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/donate or Anti-Cruelty Society, 510 N. La Salle Dr., Chicago, IL 60654 https://anticruelty.org or Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613 https://www.centeronhalsted.org are appreciated by the family.