Ann Marie Carroll, 76, passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, at Bethany Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb, Illinois. Ann was born on May 21, 1949, the daughter of Vernon and Roberta (Funkhouser) Rempfer, in DeKalb, IL.

Ann is survived by her children: Rachel (Trevor) Alcock of Sycamore, IL, and Nathan (Brenda) Klopp of Sycamore, IL; her two brothers: David (Ann) Rempfer of Elgin, IL, and Michael Rempfer of Sycamore, IL; and her three beloved grandchildren: Zoe Klopp, Xander Klopp, and Evan Alcock.

Ann was a fountain of information, a voracious reader who loved documentaries, and was passionate about cookbooks and gardening. She had quite a variety of experiences. She drove loads of grain to town and worked on the farm with her dad—back when that was considered “for the boys.” She won 4-H awards for her cherry pie and earned the nickname “Annie Oakley” for her target skills. As a teen, she worked at the Sycamore State Theater and later provided daycare for dozens of children.

In the 1960s, she became the youngest operator hired at the phone company, and in the 1970s, she worked at a General Electric factory, taking on a higher-paid “man’s job” to help put food on the table. She also spent many years at the National Bank and Trust Company of Sycamore, but her greatest passion was nursing. She went back to school in her 40s and obtained her LPN, but her dream was cut short just shy of achieving her RN when her health took a turn.

Ann persevered for decades, battling multiple debilitating chronic illnesses, yet still managed to retain her humor, optimism, and witty repartee. Her motivation was always family and loved ones; she lived for family gatherings, and loved seeing pictures of everyone’s adventures—even when she couldn’t tag along.

Ann showed her love and care through food. She was an excellent cook, and for many decades wouldn’t even blink at putting on a spread for 50 or 100 people. She grew up cooking on her family farm, spent summers at her grandmother’s restaurant, cooked for local churches, charity events, and dinners, and even baked dog treats for fundraisers. She was famous for her spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, potato salad, deviled eggs, banana cake, chocolate cake, and lovely holiday dinners.

If you walked through her door, you would always be offered a Pepsi, water, a snack, a cookie, or candy—and to share whatever she had if it was mealtime. She strongly believed there is always enough to share, no matter how little or how much you have.

Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home of Rochelle. To honor Ann’s wishes, there will be no formal services. If you would have traveled to a service or sent flowers, please consider donating in her name to The Barn on Baseline of Genoa, IL, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, both close to her heart.