Carol Harris

Caring for others, learning, and a sense of adventure were keys to the life of Carol Harris, 78, of Oak Park, Illinois, who came to rest in peace on May 9, 2026. 

Beloved spouse of Gene Harris, Carol was born on Aug. 12, 1947, and raised in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood as the adored daughter of the late Eugene and Elaine Lieberman and sister of the late Martin Lieberman. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from University of Wisconsin in 1969, Carol worked for a time at Michael Reese Hospital before moving on to supervise the PT department at Illinois Children's Hospital School (now the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education) where she treated children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disabilities. After moving to Oak Park, Carol began work as a physical therapist at home health agencies in the western suburbs, and also at Oak-Leyden Developmental Center. In 1989 Carol received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Rush University and began OT work with home health clients before transitioning to work in some of the local school districts. 

As a dedicated volunteer, Carol advanced the work of Meals on Wheels, Pick-A-Pet, the Brookfield Zoo, Riveredge Hospital, and later the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, where she was eventually added to the permanent work force.

An avid reader, Carol’s thirst for knowledge and new experiences was evident in travels with her mother to locations as diverse as the Alaska, Yucatan, Israel, Italy, and France. With Gene, the love of her life, she often traveled out west to National Parks  and to Canada. She also loved the North Woods of Wisconsin, where hiking, canoeing. and cross-country skiing were favorite activities.

Carol's creative side was expressed through arts and crafts. She was a serious potter, sold her works at local art fairs, and was a member of the Oak Park Clay Artists Guild. She also practiced painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, needle work, and sewing.

A memorial service for Carol Harris will be held at 10 to 12 on Saturday, June 27, at Heritage Funeral Home, 3117 S Oak Park Ave. in Berwyn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in Carol’s name to the Oak Park Public Library, the Animal Care League, or Meals on Wheels.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.