Carol Harris, 78, of Oak Park, died in peace on May 9, 2026. Caring for others, learning, and a sense of adventure were the keys to her life. Born on Aug. 12, 1947, she was raised in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the daughter of the late Eugene and Elaine Lieberman and sister of the late Martin Lieberman.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Wisconsin in 1969, she worked for a time at Michael Reese Hospital before supervising the PT department at Illinois Children’s Hospital School (now the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education) where she treated children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disabilities. After moving to Oak Park, she worked as a physical therapist at home health agencies in the western suburbs, and also at Oak-Leyden Developmental Center. In 1989 she earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Rush University and began OT work with home health clients before transitioning to the local school districts.
As a dedicated volunteer, she became involved in Meals on Wheels, Pick-A-Pet, Brookfield Zoo, Riveredge Hospital, and later the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, where she was eventually added to the permanent work force.
An avid reader, she traveled with her mother to locations as diverse as Alaska, Yucatan, Israel, Italy, and France. With Gene, the love of her life, she often traveled out west to national parks and to Canada. She also loved the North Woods of Wisconsin, where hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing were favorite activities.
Her creative side was expressed through arts and crafts. A serious potter, she sold her works at local art fairs, and was a member of the Oak Park Clay Artists Guild. She also practiced painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, needlework, and sewing.
Carol was the spouse of Gene Harris.
A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on June 27, at Heritage Funeral Home, 3117 S. Oak Park Ave. in Berwyn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in Carol’s name to the Oak Park Public Library, the Animal Care League, or Meals on Wheels.