Longtime Hallmark Store Gem, Heights Resident Dies at 80

Longtime Chicago Heights resident Carol J. Blue (nee Guschke) died at the age of 80 on Monday.

Local residents might recognize Blue as the familiar, friendly face behind the counter at the Olympia Plaza Hallmark store for over two decades.

"Mrs. Blue we will miss you. From the backyard basketball games on Hickory Street, the picnic's on Mayfair Place to the football games at Marian, you were always there - smiling, supporting and enjoying yourself," reads one comment on her online tribute wall. "Those are great memories. Thank you."

Blue's family welcomes the public for visitation Thursday, July 11 at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th Street (Rt. 30), from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Services will be held Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 2525 S Halsted St.

You can read her full obituary online.