CAROLINE F. GILSTER WYLIE, 68, of Chester, Illinois; her life journey ended in a one car accident, Thursday, February 13, 2014 in Jackson County, IL. She was born October 10, 1945 in St. Louis, MO to John and Ruth E. (nee: Robinson) Gilster, renaissance parents who nurtured Caroline's zest of life and quest of knowledge with a love of literature and fascinating discussions and challenges at the evening meals. She graduated from Chester High School and went on to the University of Illinois. However her quest for knowledge did not end with formal schooling but continued in the form of writing poetry and short stories, painting in all mediums, and music both singing and playing the piano. In June of 1966 she married Bradley Wylie at her family home in Chester. They moved to Pennsylvania living in the Philadelphia area until returning to Chester in 2004. When she was first married she worked for New Holland as the first non-secretary female in the division. The men all called her "Charlie" so as not to acknowledge this female intrusion into their work place. Upon the birth of their first child, Caroline left New Holland to take on her most important and enjoyable position as Mother. While nurturing, guiding, and encouraging her daughters in the love of life and knowledge, she participated in many organizations to meet their needs. These included medical for her one daughter to PTA, Girls Scouts, and the Mayor's committee for Special Education for the other. In 1984, she returned to the formal work force as an Instructional Assistant in a hearing impaired "signing" classroom and served one year as interpreter in main stream classes. She then worked for eight years as Sales Project Administrator for J.W. Pepper, a sheet music company. She left to aid in the hospice care of her mother-in-law, who was living with them. While at home she started and ran her own successful business. After a couple years she accepted a position as data base manager with SCTE. She left SCTE to move back to Chester in 2004. In Chester she continued teaching piano which she had done since 1970. She was active in local art events and a member and officer of the Mississippi Valley Art Guild. She volunteered as pianist at local events including organizing the music and pianist for the Titanic evening and the welcoming of the river boats. She was a member and officer of the Chester Women's Club, and the Randolph County Historical Society, and volunteer at the Chester Welcome center. In spite of losing both daughters and the constant pain of her debilitating joint disease, Caroline was always the positive shining light in the room ready with a smile and a shake of your hand or better yet, a big hug. Survivors: Husband: Bradley Wylie Chester, IL 2 Brothers: Peter S. (Carol) Gilster Jeff B. Gilster 6 Nephews and Nieces. Preceded in death by: Parents, 2 Daughters - Anne Elizabeth and Hope Elaine and 1 Brother - Thomas S. Gilster It was Caroline's wish to be cremated and no visitation or funeral held. Public Celebration of her Life: 11:00 am Saturday March 1, 2014 Friends may gather after 10:45 am at the Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL Memorials: Chester Public Library
