Carolina Mary Schottmiller completed her life's journey peacefully on January 19 th at the age of 99 years. The Schottmiller family lost their matriarch, who led the family with Italian family traditions, strong values of faith, hard work, and a loving nature. She was born in Chicago, daughter of Dominick and Joshephina (Letteretta) Ciao on 11/20/1917. They were Italian immigrants from Campania, Italy. She was the 5 th out of 7 children. Carolina was baptized and confirmed at St. Martens Church in Chicago. Shortly before World War II, she married the love of her life Raymond J. Schottmiller on November 8, 1941. They enjoyed a long happy marriage of 70 years until Ray passed away in 2011. While Raymond was serving in the War in New Guinea as a Medic, Carolina was employed by University Hospitals as a medical technician at Stagg Field on the Manhattan Project. She received a special award from President Truman for her role in the development of the atomic bomb. In 1953, they moved from Chicago to La Grange Park, Illinois where they raised her three children. Her primary calling in life was her family. She enjoyed being a stay at home Mom until her children were in High School. At the age of 46, she accepted a job as a Medical Technician at the Hinsdale TB Sanitarium in Hinsdale, IL. She retired in 1979. In 1980, Carolyn and Ray relocated to a condo in Palos Park, IL where they were active members of Our Lady of the Woods Parish. Her passion in life was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren providing special memories at Grandma's condo gatherings. She was an avid reader and enjoyed shopping for bargains and decorating. She mastered the art of cooking, entertaining and setting a beautiful table greeting friends and family throughout her life. She was particularly proud of her Italian heritage and often proclaimed "Food is a celebration of Life". Raymond often said he lived to the age of 95 because of the olive oil in most of the dishes she prepared. She strived to live her life according to two of her favorite quotes "No Regrets" and "Take each day as it comes". She moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Heatherwood, an assisted living facility in 2014 to be closer to her daughter and family. Carolina will remain in the hearts of her loving children Louise "Schotzie" (Mike) Armstrong, Raymond (Helen) Schottmiller and Tom (Helen) Schottmiller; grandchildren Brian (Carla) Armstrong, Chad Armstrong, Jason (Nicole) Schottmiller, Jamie ( Corey) Hall, and Christopher (Kim) Schottmiller; great-grandchildren Gavin Armstrong, John Paul Armstrong, Christian Schottmiller, Hayden Hall, Cameron Hall, Summer Schottmiller and Gabrielle Schottmiller. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her brother and five sisters. Visitation Friday, February 3, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 14318 S. LaGrange Rd. (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park to Our Lady of the Woods Church Mass 11:15 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery.