"Carey was an Angel here on earth. I will always remember the love in her eyes when she looked at her sons and the pride in her voice when she spoke of them. Rest in peace. "
In loving memory of
Carey Catherine Chiesa
November 12, 1950 - June 14, 2011
Madison- Carey C. Chiesa, Age 60, died on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at HospiceCare Inc. She was born on November 12, 1950, the daughter of the late Simon and Kathleen (Sulland) Connors. Carey was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Chiesa on November 15, 1980 at St. Ignatius Church, Mt. Horeb. They were blessed with two sons, Christopher and Richard. Her main joy in life was helping her sons grow to be fine young men. Faith, family, and helping others were the important things in Carey's life.
She graduated from Mount Horeb High School, and worked for the State of Wisconsin Pharmacy Board, the Small Business Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the UW Medical School, and for the last 19 years in the Budget and Planning Office of the UW System Administration.
She was a big Wisconsin Badgers fan, and had UW football season tickets for 42 years. She also worked part-time for Per Mar Security Services at UW football, basketball, & hockey games.
Carey loved babies, and knitted many caps for newborns at St. Mary's Hospital.
Carey is also survived by brothers and sisters Andy (Florence) Connors, Patricia (Harold) Crabb, Joe Connors, Colleen (the late Paul) Crocker and Kevin (Anita) Connors; and sister and brothers-in-law Barbara (the late John) Schanmier; Jim (Diane) Chiesa and Joe (Lisa) Chiesa. Carey is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers.
Carey was preceded in death by her parents and her father and mother-in-law, Albert and Frances Chiesa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Ave., Madison, on Monday, June 20, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Patrick Norris, O.P. presiding. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Horeb. Visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, on Sunday, June 19, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and again at church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass.
Thanks to Dr. Diggs, nurses, and staff at the Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic for their care and support during her visits and treatments. Thanks also to nurses and staff of HospiceCare Inc. for their tender care of Carey during her last days.
Carey was a supporter of many charitable organizations, especially Catholic Social Services, the American Cancer Society, and the Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund. In lieu of flowers, Carey and the family request that donations be made to one of these 3 or your favorite charitable organization.
Tributes
"I knew Carey only casually. I now know that she and I were the same age. The Chiesas have been gracious enough to let me park in their yard for football games. I also had occasion to see Carey when one of my friends at the University retired. Whenever she saw me, Carey was always friendly and considerate. One thing I remember well is how proud she was of her son's extremely successful chess program. My sympathy to Bob and the rest of the family at this extremely difficult time. "
"Carey, I remember the summer trips we went to your house and you and Bob showed us all there was in Chicago. I especially remember riding your bike after a day downtown and everyone was exhausted. I still rode your bike around the neighborhood and loved you for letting me! I have always loved you and will continue to love you! Jeremy"
"Carrie your capacity for love was immense enough to; encompass strangers from New Zealand; trust your son to us for a brief time, and make us all fast friends forever; to welcome me into your home and give me a taste for life in Wisconsin and making sure that I got to a Badgers game. My life was changed forever, because of the love and light you and your family extended. You have left behind through the life you lived, the inspiration for everyone, to experience life, to embrace the happiness and joy that is available for us all, every single minute of every day. love always Veronicah "
"Carey was one of life's beautiful people. Carey had a way of making everyone feel special. We will miss chatting with her from NZ and will always treasure our wonderful memories from the holiday we had with the Chiesa family in 2006. Our deepest sympathy goes to Bob, Rich & Chris.
Keith & Loreen Branch"
"Carey was one of those rare people whose goodness always shown through. Being a parent can be worrisome, but knowing John, or John and Nick were at the Chiesas, was always reassuring, knowing they were with such good, caring people. Carey always had kind words for me and encouragement for me as a parent. In her humble way, she seemed to always take over a room with her warmth (and certainly with her great laughter!)...I also still have the image of sweet, little Carey keeping any wayward, big rabblerouser at Camp Randall in-line with her diplomacy and incredible common sense...our prayers and thoughts are with you, Bob, Chris and Rich and family "
"I remember Carey for her years of coordinating the Tr. 16 Christmas wreath sale. Many scouts went to Sea Base, Philmont and the Boundry Waters thanks to Carey's facilitation of this fundraiser. Thank you, Carey!"
"Bob and Family, I was truly sorry to read of the loss of your wife and mother. Bob I pray that God will give you the strength you will need at this time. I don't know if you remember me I used to work in the Office of Religious Education at the O'Connor Center."
"Bob, Christopher, and Richard: May you know the peace and love of God, family and many friends in this time of celebrating the life of your dear wife and mother. Our prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing Carey with us at Blessed Sacrament. We love you, John Schmitz and Jean Tretow-Schmitz"
"I went to high school with Carey. She was always cheerful and smiling, with a positive attitude. I will always remember Carey that way, and her friendship with Ubon, our AFS student from Thailand. It meant a lot. So sorry to learn of Carey's passing too soon."
"Carey was a wonderful, caring person. She would brighten up a room full of people. What I will miss most about Carey is her hearty laugh. It brings a smile every time I think of it. Will also miss seeing her on her moped! What a hoot. God Bless."