Carol Jean “CJ” Fogarty

August 20, 1941 – August 12, 2025

Carol Jean Fogarty

Carol Jean “CJ” Fogarty, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to all she met, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.

CJ was born August 20, 1941, in Decatur, Illinois, to Verna (née Schoenbeck) and Arnold Freise. She grew up in Arlington Heights, nurtured by the close-knit congregation of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and nearby farming communities. She was the granddaughter of William and Sophia Freise and William and Martha Schoenbeck.

In 1969, CJ married the love of her life, Robert J. “Bob” Fogarty. Their long marriage was a true love story and an example to all who knew them. Together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and generosity.

She is survived by Bob and their children Cheryl Jones (Michael), Michael (Bridjet), Susan Barrett (Scot), Steve (Inger), and Beth Anne Day (Jeff). CJ was preceded in death by her daughter Cathy Aniolowski (Jerry). She is also survived by her brother Roger Freise (Barbara), nephews Christopher and Stephen (Heather), and many Fogarty nieces and nephews.

CJ is also survived by her grandchildren — James (Kim), Christina (Thijs), Robert, Darcy (Chris), Jennifer, Justin, Sean, Ryan (Kayla), Shaunte (Colin), Katrina, Trinity (Jacob), Aase, Isabel, Oliver, and Bridget — and by great-grandchildren Ashley, Richie, Evelyn, Charlie, Sean, Alexis, Isabel, Rylee, Teagan and Hudson.

An entrepreneur with a warm and welcoming spirit, CJ opened The Coffee Bean in 1976 in Long Grove, Illinois, with her dear friend Betty Bilheimer. The innovative shop sold coffee beans, loose leaf tea, and spices along with other interesting items. In 1979, when CJ and Betty’s husbands were transferred out of state by Centex Homes, they sold The Coffee Bean to Gloria Jean Kvetko, becoming the first location in what grew into Gloria Jean’s Coffee.

CJ loved to travel and was an excellent cook. She found joy in time spent with her close friends and family, often with her yorkie by her side and a glass of chardonnay in hand. She made friends quickly and welcomed people into her home, whether for a festive meal or a cozy place to stay. Known for her kindness, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel at ease, she touched the lives of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m at All Saints Lutheran Church, 5501 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Water 1st International, a Seattle-based nonprofit that brings clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities in need, reflecting CJ’s generous and caring spirit.