Carole L. Fortenberry

Carole Lynn Fortenberry passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at her home in Manteno, Illinois, after a long fight with Cancer. Carole was born on February 19, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Jack and Patricia Sharkey. Carole is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jeff Fortenberry, and three sons, Steven Sharkey (35), Kevin Fortenberry (30), and Andrew Fortenberry (28), all of Manteno, Illinois. Carole is preceded in death by her oldest son, Robert Sharkey, also of Manteno, Illinois. In addition to Carole’s husband, children, and parents, Carole is survived by her brother, Michael Sharkey, of Northern California; sisters, Susan and Beth Sharkey, both of Southern California; Michael’s wife (her sister-in-law), Vanessa, and their son, Aiden (her nephew); Beth’s daughter, Jessica (her niece); and Susan’s children, Brett (nephew), Sydney (niece), Griffin (nephew), and Gracie (niece). Carole is also survived by her mother-in-law, Paula Appleton; sister-in-law, Ashley Appleton; rother-in-law, Aaron Appleton; and newest niece, Nova Appleton, all of Manteno, Illinois. Lastly, Carole is survived by her niece, Finley Appleton, also of Manteno, Illinois, of whom she had a special bond with. Carole attended High School (El Toro High) and College (Saddleback College) before starting her family in 1982. Carole met her husband in the early 90’s, then married on May 6, 1995, in Fullerton, California. Carole resided in Southern California until February of 2000 before moving to Manteno, Illinois, where she would spend the remainder of her years, raising her family and spending time with friends. Carole also worked for almost 2 decades as a medical office professional at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Carole had many hobbies and interest in life. Carole enthusiastically enjoyed singing Karaoke at every opportunity, with everyone and at any location that would accommodate. Carole was not shy, and many assumed that she knew every word to every song. Carole enjoyed collecting semi-precious gems, rare coins, and rocks. Carole also enjoyed playing Pokémon with her family and friends, and daily fantasy hockey with her husband. Carole loved to take road trips with her family, which allowed her to visit almost every state in the USA. Carole was a HUGE fan of Las Vegas and casinos in general, and would not hesitate to embark on an unscheduled Vegas trip or a local Texas Hold’em game with her friends. A Celebration of Life gathering (tacos, karaoke, and remembrance) will be held at our home on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 5:00PM. Specifications and RSVP options will be posted on social media within the next few days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family at 1145 Brian Drive, Manteno, Illinois 60950.