NAPERVILLE, IL – Carol Ann (Bressani) Van Heynigen, 86, (1937-2023) of Naperville, IL, formerly of Westfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 1st, 2023, after a long illness. Carol was born to the late Charles and Amelia (Symancyk) Bressani on April 16th, 1937, in Westfield, MA. She was raised in Westfield and attended local schools, graduating from Westfield High School in 1955.
Carol and her husband Winthrop married on May 11th, 1957, and raised three children. She worked for many years as an Assistant Vice President for Woronoco Savings Bank before retiring in 1995. Carol and Winthrop moved to Illinois to be closer to their grandchildren. Carol enjoyed spending time with family and especially enjoyed sibling trips with her sister and brother. She was also a wonderful cook and accomplished seamstress, making beautiful handmade items. In addition, Carol gave of her time by volunteering at her church and a local hospital.
Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband Winthrop Van Heynigen, Jr. in 2008 and her brother Thomas Bressani in 2022.
Carol leaves behind her children: Mark Van Heynigen and his wife Maris of Cotuit, MA, Cathy Strickland and her husband Kevin of Naperville, IL and Charles Van Heynigen and longtime companion Tomara Meegan of Russell, MA. She leaves her grandchildren: Kyle Van Heynigen, Jessica Hupp and her husband Kevin, and Kate Strickland. Carol also leaves her siblings, Robert Bressani and his wife Penny, Lynn Fiala and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
The funeral for Carol will be held Saturday, April 27th at 10 a.m. at Our lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. Donations in memory of Carol may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. Carol’s family would like to thank the staff of Sunrise of Naperville North for the exceptional care given. Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield is in charge of the arrangements. www.firtionadams.com
