Obituary: Alford

Carol Ann Alford, 77, Pontiac, died at 10:02 pm Friday, December 26, 2025 at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac.

Her funeral will be held at 10:00 am Friday, January 2, 2026 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with Fr. Bill Keebler officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.  Memorials can be made to the Pontiac Alano Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, or to the family.

Carol was born May 10, 1948 in Pontiac, IL the daughter of John “Jack” and Shirley Orr Nolan.  She married Earl Wayne Alford on October 18, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pontiac.  He preceded her in death on November 3, 1990.

Survivors include one daughter, Wendy (Chris) Bartosik, Gridley, one son, John (Kasey Kelly) Alford, Mundelein, two sisters, Marcia (Jim) Meints, Lexington, Sandra (Paul) Vogt, Plainfield, four grandchildren, Austin (Kyla) Brucker, Bayli (A.J. Reynolds) Brucker, Gwen Kaleta and Bennett Kaleta, three great grandchildren, Madyson Kilcullen, Grayson Brucker and Avery Mae Reynolds and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother and sister-in-law, Dennis (Brenda) Nolan.

Carol graduated from Saunemin High School in 1966.

She worked at Livingston County Housing Authority as a bookkeeper for 20 years before retiring in 2015.  She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Carol was greatly involved in the Pontiac Alano Club for over 20 years, where she served as Treasurer.  Like her mother, Carol loved to bake, and her cherry pie and chocolate cream pie could not be duplicated.  She also enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel anytime she could.  Most of all, Carol loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, whom she loved with all her heart.  Carol was a friend to all and will be missed by many.

To celebrate Carol’s vibrant life, the family requests that attendees wear a splash of purple, as it was her favorite color.