Obituary: Dr. Caroline Ann Bacharz

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dr. Caroline Ann Bacharz

Dr. Caroline Ann Bacharz, 48, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 29, 1977, in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of Stephen and Debra Bacharz. Carrie grew up in Joliet and attended St. Paul grade school, later graduating from Joliet West High School. Dedicated to learning and committed to excellence, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. Carrie continued her education at John J. Marshall College in New York, where she received her Master’s Degree, and later achieved her Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Sam Houston University.

Carrie dedicated her professional life to caring for others, serving as a clinical psychologist to incarcerated individuals in Illinois. Serving those who are often dismissed by others, her work reflected her deep intelligence, steady wisdom, and generous spirit. Colleagues and those she served knew her as someone who led with both skill and compassion, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Carrie had just started a new job as Director of Clinical Services at the Locust Street Resource Center in Carlinville, Illinois, once again choosing to serve the underserved members of society.

Carrie was a passionate supporter of veterans and worked tirelessly fundraising for the VFW in Springfield. She was interested in many things, including cross stitch, camping, the magic of Disney World, and following her beloved Chicago Cubs! She added several stray dogs to her fur family of adopted Shih Tsu pups, making a loving forever home for them all. Her current fur babies, Chloe and Harley will miss her terribly.

Carrie will live forever in the hearts of her mother, Debra Ann Bacharz; her father, Stephen Bacharz; her siblings, Christy (John Okrei) Bacharz, Brian (Helen) Bacharz, and Kelsey Bacharz; her two nieces, Tess and CeCe Bacharz; her fiancé, Dean Barnes; and her Godparents, Steven Cowan and Susan Bacharz Guenther. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will cherish her memory and always remember Cousin Invasions.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ted and Joyce Cowan; her paternal grandparents, Al and Connie Bacharz; and her aunt, Chris Fenske. Caroline’s passing leaves a profound sense of loss in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Memorial Gathering for Dr. Caroline Ann Bacharz will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will take place privately by the family at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Locust Street Resource Center, 320 S. Locust Street, Carlinville, IL, 62626.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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