Carol Jean Scarpetta, 93, of Belvidere, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026. Carol was born on October 15, 1932, in Beloit, Wisconsin, daughter to Joseph and Berniece (Briggs) Raymer. Shortly after graduating from Beloit Memorial High School, Carol would start her next chapter when she met Paul Scarpetta at the Waverly Beach Dance Club in Beloit. We are told it was “LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT”! They were married on August 18, 1951.

Together, they shared a rich and full partnership that lasted over seven decades until Paul’s passing in November of 2024. In that time, Carol embraced the role of homemaker with grace and passion, shaping a family and home filled with love and cherished memories. Among those memories are trips up north for weekend camping, along with longer adventures to South Dakota and Florida. But highlights of their travels would include a cherished 50th anniversary trip to Italy, as well as an extended road trip to Alaska with Paul’s sister, Mary and her husband, Ron.

Carol and Paul enjoyed being active members of the Verdi Club, so much so that Carol served on the board for a time. Carol and Paul would stay devout and long-time members of the St. Anthony Catholic Church. Carol’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. Growing up with all kinds of pets, Carol had an undeniable soft spot for stray animals. While practical considerations sometimes kept her from adopting every stray she wished to save, her compassion never waned. She had a fondness for TV westerns and a good daytime soap opera. Her creative endeavors led her to pursue various sewing projects where she discovered a talent for furniture reupholstery.

Most of all, her greatest joy could be found gathered around her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In Carol’s recent weeks, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Bruce. They brought her into their home and provided her comfort, security and peace of mind in her final days.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her children John (Veda) Scarpetta, Barbara (Bruce) Wolf, and her son-in-law David Lund; her grandchildren, Gina Scarpetta, Nicholas (Erin) Scarpetta, Mike (Katie) Lund, Nathan (Melissa) Wolf, Stephanie (Scott) Hoftender and Ashley (Austin) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Maggie, Kevin, Brooke, Leo, Dylan, Addison, Jake and Quinn; her brother Floyd Raymer; numerous nieces and nephews, and special neighbors and dear friends, Bill (Sonia) Powell and Kay Ridlon. She is predeceased by her husband Paul; their daughter Belinda Lund; her brother Earl “Sonny” (Marilyn); her sister Marilyn (Bob), as well as her sister-in-law, Chris.

A very heartfelt thank you to staff at Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and most especially to nurse, Hannah, and to nurse’s aide, Debbie. Their kindness will always be remembered.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford, IL 61102. Entombment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois, at their mausoleum. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.