Carol Jean French, 67, died 11:48 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital. She was born May 22, 1957 in Granite City, the daughter of the late Carl Denis and Florence Bertha (Laut) Schwierjohn. She lived a faith filled life as an active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey where she was a PSR teacher for over 20 years, a member of the parish council, a Cantor, a Eucharistic Minister and anything else she could volunteer for at the church. Carol was a member GWRRA Chapter E motorcycle club of Litchfield, IL. She retired after 40 years as the chief finance officer for the Circuit Clerk of Madison County. On May 22, 1982 in Alton she married Richard “Rick” French and he preceded her in death on June 19, 2020. Surviving are twin daughters, Michelle Pulaski (Scott) of Elsah and Megan French (Matt Klug) of Elsah, one son, Richard French (Shannon) of Godfrey. She loved spending time with her nine grandchildren, Zachary (Christina) Stewart, Mya Liles, Colton French, Ella and Ana Klug, Caty, Lucas and William Pulaski. Siblings, Jim (Patsy) Williams of Granite City, Judi Ruder of Tucson, AZ, Bill (Karen) Schwierjohn of Granite City and David (Irene) Schwierjohn of Punta Gorda, FL and special friends, Sharon Howard of Alton, Cheryl Welton of Granite City, Ina Wallace of Winona, MO and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her brother in law, Larry Ruder. Visitation will be Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Father Steven Janoski will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic School tuition assistance fund or The American Cancer Society. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may visit our website at www.gentfuneralhome.com to view service information or to leave condolences to the family.
