Carol Jean Spence

Carol Jean Spence passed peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born in Oak Brook, Illinois, on November 12, 1933, to William J. and Ellen R. Conley. She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, S. Cable Spence Jr., and by her son, Timothy C. Spence.

Carol grew up in Illinois and moved to New Jersey after marrying S. Cable Spence Jr. During their 71 years of marriage, they lived in New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, and South Carolina. They cherished time spent with family and enjoyed attending the symphony, opera, ballet, and stage shows whenever possible. They traveled together to Hawaii and Ireland, and Carol also traveled to the Netherlands and Italy.

Carol was a loving mother and devoted wife. As an artist, she found great joy in teaching both young people and adults in her home. She began working with oils and later expanded to acrylics and watercolor. Creating whimsical pieces from found objects delighted her. Her artwork ranged from very small pieces—such as those for the dollhouse she lovingly decorated—to murals and decorative finishes throughout her home. When she ran out of canvas in her own home, she turned her creativity to the homes of her children. Each new home presented fresh opportunities to create something unique. Eventually, she extended her talents to painting other people’s homes and doctors’ offices, often collaborating with her husband, Cable, whose artistic skills complemented her own.

Their home was a gallery of fine art, featuring both their own creations and works shared by artist friends. Carol’s interests in stained glass, ceramics, enameled jewelry, and painted furniture further enriched the artistic legacy found in her home and the homes of her children. Rarely did anyone receive a store-bought card from Carol; she made her own, including the annual Christmas cards she created in collaboration with her husband. Each card was cherished and saved as an original work of art.

Carol loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Visits with family brought her immense joy. Time spent searching for “cute” things with her sister-in-law, Raili, provided them both with hours of delight. Carol embraced life and deeply loved the people she shared it with. Though she preferred smaller, quieter gatherings, she treasured meaningful time with family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Carol is survived by her daughter Cathy and her husband Donald; daughter-in-law Jessica Spence; daughter Kristen and her husband James Neville; daughter Jilene and her husband David Kropp; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, with another on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Raili Spence, three nieces, and two nephews.