Carol Hirsch

Carol Vihon Hirsch, a vibrant artist and a woman deeply passionate about life, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026 in her beloved Evanston home by the lake. She was raised in Humboldt Park and later moved to Roger’s Park. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Harry Vihon, her dear friend Anita Lipnitsky, and nephew Larry Bressler.

Born on October 24, 1942, Carol brought color, energy, and warmth into the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a member of both Beth Emet Synagogue and Temple Beth-El, enjoying Friday evening Shabbat. Ever curious, she could have a conversation with anyone and approached the world wanting to know more. Anyone who ever talked to her remembered her! That was her superpower.

An artist her whole life, she started college at The Art Institute of Chicago and graduated nine years later from Barat College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the age of 40. Her very unique multimedia artwork has been shown at Women Made Gallery, Barat College, Love Gallery, and in a one-woman show throughout the Northbrook Public Library. You can see her wonderful work at www.carolvihonhirsch.com.

Above all, Carol cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband and sometimes sparring partner, Roger Hirsch, her Funny Valentine. They met in 1956, went steady throughout high school, and were married in 1962. Together they started a family and a business (Unitrol Electronics, Inc.). She was a loving and proud mother to her three children and their spouses: Annette and Ron Leibovitz, Cyndi and Alan Hochman, and David and Jaclyn Hirsch. Her creative spirit and love will live on through her 9 grandchildren Haley (Elias) Renaud, Daniel Leibovitz, Ryan (Haley) Hochman, Edward (Alison) Hochman, Holden Hirsch, Sam Hirsch, William Hochman, and Yoni Leibovitz. She considered Abby to also be her grandchild telling everyone that she had 12 grandchildren. And recently two great-grandchildren Lilah and Asher were added to the growing clan. All of them brought her immense nachas.

Everyone called her Bubby. She viewed the world through a lens of creativity, enthusiasm, and beauty. Her passion for life was infectious, leaving behind a legacy of art, laughter, and unconditional love. She will be profoundly missed, forever remembered, and dearly loved.

Graveside service, Thursday, July 23, 2 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.

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Service Information

Service : Thursday, July 23rd at 2:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights