Carol Jean Nye, 79, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Carol was born on December 23, 1946, in Freeport, Illinois, to Lawrence and Virginia Tuell. A proud graduate of Freeport High School's Class of 1964, she soon met the person who would shape the rest of her life, Stephan Dale Nye. They married on December 4, 1965, beginning a love story that would span decades and be filled with laughter, loyalty, and countless shared adventures.

Carol and Steve found joy in life's simple pleasures. Whether it was a long afternoon wandering flea markets in search of hidden treasures, a spontaneous trip to a casino, dancing or playing cards with the Fromi or Wilson families or working side by side at local fairs with Oak Ridge Ranch Amusement, they were happiest together. Their partnership was steady, playful, and full of memories that their family will carry forward.

After high school, Carol worked at State Bank in Freeport, but her most important role began when she became a mother. She poured her heart into raising her two sons, Troy and Brad, creating a home filled with care, humor, and unwavering support. Later, she brought that same dedication to her work as an accountant for Tuell's Appliance and Elite Towing & Recovery, and as a pharmacy technician at Walmart, where she formed many lasting connections.

Carol's love for her family only grew as her family did. She was thrilled to welcome daughters-in-law Rachel (Miller) and Tonya (Springer) into her life, embracing them as her own. But nothing lit up her world quite like her granddaughters, Mia and Brooke. She delighted in every moment with them, especially at Christmas time, her favorite season. Named in honor of her favorite season, Carol's Christmas celebrations were something special: a table filled with her delicious cooking, the smell of her signature cut-out sugar cookies, and, without fail, a carefully chosen new dress for each of her granddaughters.

She is survived by her sons, Troy Nye (Tonya) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Brad Nye (Rachel) of Severance, Colorado; her beloved granddaughters, Mia and Brooke Nye; her brother, David (Susan) Tuell, sister Sally Tuell; and her nieces and nephews, Larry (Michelle) Strock, Larry Tuell, and Katie Tuell, along with several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephan Nye; her sister, Kay (Dusty) Strock; and her parents.

In her later years, Carol found a special sense of community at Meadow Ridge Apartments in Freeport. She often shared stories of the friendships she built there, the meals, the laughter, and the many activities that filled her days. Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness and companionship she experienced in that community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Meadow Ridge Apartments Tenant Council to help continue the meals, activities, and sense of community that meant so much to Carol. Contributions can be sent via Venmo at @Brad-Nye-1 or made in person at Carol's celebration of life. All donations will be collected and passed along to the Meadow Ridge Apartments Tenant Council following the celebration.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held at Prairie Pub & Gaming, 1597 S. Adams Avenue, Freeport, Illinois, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.