Hon. Carole Kamin Bellows OBITUARY

Hon. Carole Kamin Bellows OBITUARY

The Honorable Carole Kamin Bellows, 91, on May 29, 2026 in Evanston, Illinois. Carole was born May 24, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. ?Carole is survived by her children Marcia (Allan Brilliant) Bellows, Douglas (Bonnie Stesin) Bellows and Daniel (Karen) Bellows; grandchildren Jason Brilliant, Sam and Arthur Bellows; brothers Malcolm (Kay Hodes) Kamin and Chester (Nancy Schaefer) Kamin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carole was a respected and beloved pillar of Chicago’s legal community.? Recognized as a trailblazing woman in the law, she served as president of the Illinois State Bar Association from 1977-78; and was the first woman in the country to serve as president of a State Bar. She was also the first woman to serve in a variety of posts in the American Bar Association. In 1986, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed her to serve as judge in the Cook County Circuit Court. Since ascending the bench, Carole served for 32 years in the Domestic Relations Division without interruption, including as presiding judge of the division. In this capacity, Carole was known for her patience, strong work ethics, and breadth of knowledge about family law. In 2020, the Illinois State Bar Association established the annual Carole K. Bellows Woman of Influence Award.

Carole was a loyal champion to her many friends, a mentor to her colleagues, and was deeply devoted to her family. Carole’s kindness and empathy touched everyone who came in contact with her. Her achievements inspired us. Her love and support fueled us. She will be missed. Her memory will be cherished and is a blessing to us all.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 11:00 AM?at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093. Shiva will follow service at Temple Jeremiah until 2:30 PM. Donations may be made to Illinois Bar Foundation, re: Carole Bellows, 20 S. Clark St, Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60603 or www.illinoisbarfoundation.org/donate/

Arrangements by: Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 847-256-5700