Carol McInerney Root

Carol McInerney Root, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2025, surrounded by family with friends nearby. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 49 years, 8 months, Daniel Root; daughter, Sarah (Ted) Casady of Apple Valley, MN; son, David “Casey” Root, of Crown Point, IN; grandchildren: Reagan and Jordan Casady; brother-in-law, Clayton D. Root; sisters-in-law, Judith Root Stiles and Diana Root McCormac; many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas S. McInerney and Ruth Hawkes McInerney of Chicago, IL; sister, Mary Louise Quinn and her husband, William P. Quinn; and her brother, Thomas S. McInerney, Jr. Carol was the Queen of Adventure. Always seeking out new and exciting opportunities and experiences. Upon graduating from DePaul University in Chicago, Carol ventured from the known Morgan Park/Beverly community where she grew up and obtained a high-rise apartment in the exciting near-north Chicago neighborhood. She began her 30-year physical education teaching career with the Chicago Public Schools. With her outgoing, cheerful and “firm but fair” personality Carol earned the admiration and respect of her students. A friend described Carol as “full of life, zip and vinegar”. With summertime off Carol and her teacher buddies traveled the USA and Europe. Summertime also meant long-distance bicycle rides in and around Chicago and the Midwest, with a special bike trip up and over the top of Lake Michigan. Carol’s adventure interests also included skiing. Joining a Chicago ski club introduced her to ski destinations all over the Western US and Midwest. It also introduced her to her husband, Daniel, and they continued their love of skiing throughout the US. Carol and her family experienced adventures, travels and camping trips throughout the United States. Enjoying many road trips in their RV campers they explored 26 National Parks from Maine to California and from Washington State to Florida. Carol and Daniel rode their motorcycles throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, the South Dakota Badlands, the hills of Southern Indiana and the Smoky Mountains. Carol enjoyed gardening and learning about landscaping at their Crown Point home. She was Mom to three luscious Golden Retrievers (Maggie, Rootie, and Oliver) that she carefully raised and trained and took on almost daily walks to the Lake County Fairgrounds. Carol experienced a life of adventure, teaching, learning, caring, compassion, nurturing, and meaningful friendships. A life well lived. A memorial visitation to visit with family will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com

Carol McInerney Root

May 26, 1942 - April 18, 2025