Carolyn Maxine Lancaster

Carolyn Maxine (Mullen) Lancaster of Mount Carroll, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Carolyn was living at Foster Court in Mount Carroll, where she was able to live independently. A date for a memorial graveside service at Lower York Cemetery will be announced soon.

Carolyn was born on April 14, 1931, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, the second of two children born to Mervin G. “Doc” Marshall and Maxine (Elliot) Marshall. She was welcomed home by her parents and her sister, Joyce. Carolyn held fond memories of living on a farm as a young girl. She and Joyce spent many hours exploring and playing together while growing up there.

The family later moved to Thomson, Illinois, where Carolyn and Joyce grew up. For a time, they again lived on a farm before the family eventually moved into town. Carolyn graduated from Thomson High School in 1949. Carolyn married William C. “Bill” Mullen Sr. in Thomson, Illinois, on February 24, 1950, with her sister, Joyce, by her side.

Bill worked at Flexonics in Savanna, Illinois. Through his work, the family moved to Elgin, Illinois, where they made their home. Together, they had four children: James, Jon, Billy, and Kathleen. They were married for 23 years until Bill’s passing on August 27, 1973.

Bill and Carolyn’s family spent many hours camping, boating, and skiing on the Mississippi River in Savanna. Carolyn even water-skied despite not knowing how to swim! Their trips to Savanna often lasted two weeks and were spent with their best friends, the families of Harold Wilt, Richard Adams, and Don Miller. Camping was one of Carolyn’s favorite memories. She enjoyed cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the campfire and spending time with family and friends.

After Bill’s passing, Carolyn moved from Elgin to Savanna. She worked at Hogan’s Drug Store on Main Street for a number of years. Carolyn met George J. Lancaster in Savanna, and they were married in Sycamore, Illinois, on December 2, 1982. George worked as a conductor for the Milwaukee Railroad out of Bensenville, Illinois, and lived in Sleepy Hollow, outside of Dundee. Carolyn moved to Sleepy Hollow and made her home there. Her time with George was short, as he passed away on January 7, 1987. During their time together, they traveled throughout the United States and enjoyed seeing many different places. As had been true throughout her life, family remained Carolyn’s first and foremost priority.

Following George’s passing, Carolyn eventually moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She purchased a home next door to her son Jon (Donna) Mullen and her grandchildren. Being close to family was a blessing to Carolyn, and she became a special part of their lives, especially the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren affectionately knew her as “GG.” She always had time, treats, and love for them.

Carolyn worked at Sears while living in Oshkosh and also spent time helping with her grandchildren. She met Francis Cain in Oshkosh, and the two became close. Although their time together was short, Francis took Carolyn on trips to see many of the sights throughout Wisconsin.

 Carolyn loved her time in Oshkosh, but eventually the time came for another move, this time to Mount Carroll, Illinois. She loved living at Foster Court and made many friends there. She also enjoyed being close to her daughter and grandchildren. Her years in Mount Carroll were filled with hard-fought card games with her daughter Kathy and close friend Dee, trips to Krumpet’s in Fulton for dining out, weekly grocery-shopping trips, and cookouts with family. Carolyn celebrated every holiday with her family, which meant making enough treats for everyone. She loved spending time with her family and, in years past, enjoyed playing cards with her sister Joyce. She loved all animals, especially her kitties, as well as her grandpup, Molly, who loved her dearly.

Carolyn was a strong and caring woman who faced many challenges throughout her life. She faced those challenges head-on and always found a way to persevere. Above all, she loved her family and treasured the time she spent with them. Carolyn is survived by her sons, Jon (Donna) Mullen and William C. Mullen Jr.; daughter, Kathleen (Larry) Williams; grandchildren, Alicia (Matthew) Christensen, Julie (Jerod) Felix, Rachael (David) Magnuson, Daniel (Valerie) Mullen, Ryan (Ashlyn) Williams, and Evan (Cindy) Williams; great-grandchildren, Kjerstin, Marissa, Cohen, Elliyanna, Tavin, Paxton, Leah, Rebekah, Hannah, Elijah, Brennan, Ethan, Layla, Scarlett, Sage, and Camryn; nephew, Brad; and nieces, Charnie and Char, along with her daughter, Jess.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mervin and Maxine; husbands, William C. Mullen Sr. and George J. Lancaster; son, James A. “Jim” Mullen; and sister, Joyce (Pete) Cate.