Carol Mae Markley

Carol Mae Markley
Carol Mae Markley passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. Carol was born on December 3, 1937, in Joliet, where she was a lifelong resident. She was the cherished daughter of the late William and Marie (nee DePray) Planing, and spent her life rooted in the community that shaped her.
Carol was united in marriage to her devoted husband, John Leonard Markley, with whom she shared a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, love, and steadfast support.
Educated in Joliet's Catholic schools, Carol attended and graduated from St. Raymond School and St. Francis Academy before completing her training at St. Joseph's School of Nursing. Answering a true calling, she dedicated 25 years of her life as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, caring for patients with compassion and quiet strength.
Beyond her professional life, Carol was involved for many years with St. Joseph's Baseball, generously giving her time and encouragement to the program and its families. She was known for her unwavering support, her gentle presence, and her willingness to help wherever she was needed.
Of all her accomplishments, Carol was most proud of becoming a nurse and raising five boys, achievements that reflected both her deep capacity for care and her remarkable dedication as a mother. Her love knew no bounds, and she was known for helping and loving others unconditionally.
Carol is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dr. John Leonard Markley; five Sons, Daniel (Jodi) Markley, Terrence (Marissa) Markley, Christopher (Melisa) Markley, Scott (Lora) Markley, and Sean (Dawn) Markley; Grandchildren, Jayme (David) Guzman, Katie Markley, Annie Markley (Engaged to Andrew Guido with son Ayden Guido), Victoria Markley, Kevin (Olivia) Markley, Marianna Markley, Monica Markley, Brian Markley, Kai Markley, and Kelsey Markley, Meghan Markley, Brennan Markley, Aaron Markley, Connor (Charlotte) Markley, Logan Markley, Niamh Markley; Great-Grandchildren, Alec Guzman, Evan Guzman, Myla Guzman, Wyatt Vuckovich and Noah Vuckovich, Aleena Solares, and Olive Guido; her dear cousins, Richard Benedict and Marylou Wulf; and her lifelong friend, MaryAnn Schwerha. Numerous brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
She is preceded by her parents; brother, William L. Planing; and uncle and aunt, Ken and Evelyn Benedict; along with several other aunts and uncles.
Funeral Services for Carol Mae Markley will be held at 9:15 a.m., on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Visitation for Carol will be held at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.