Paige Beth Carney

Paige Beth Carney passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. She was 73. Paige was born on February 13th, 1951 in Trenton, New Jersey to Claire and Jack Levitt. She went to undergraduate school at Drexel University in Pennsylvania and got masters degrees in human resources at both Drexel and Loyola University in Chicago. Paige and Jim Carney got married on January 17th, 1981. They went on to adopt Kim in 1987, Aimee in 1989 and gave birth to Todd in 1990.

Paige spent 45 years in Chicago. She loved to travel, eat new foods and see the world, especially with her family. She enjoyed planning dozens of family vacations, often involving driving long distances. Ever the provider, she was also a master chef with some of her children’s favorites being eggplant parmesan, chicken cacciatore and brisket. Nobody made potato latkes quite like Paige. 

After a successful career in business, including being the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at World Book Encyclopedia. She then withdrew from business to raise her three children. During that time she became president of the PTA for the local school cluster where her children attended and later the Glenview, Illinois district wide PTA. When the children were in upper grades, Paige commenced a second career working with special needs children at the Henking Grammar School in Glenview. At that time, she went further in forming a volunteer group that met after school at her synagogue in Glenview to help underprivileged children advance their reading skills.

In 2008 Paige took an administrative job at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois in the special education department, where she worked extensively with special needs children. She was adored by students and staff alike.

After retiring in 2016, Paige became a certified yoga instructor. In 2020, Paige, Jim and of course their beloved cat, Kit Kat, moved to Nashville, Tennessee to be closer with her grandchildren Declan James (4) and Kylee Paige (2) McGrenera. There her favorite activities included watching the deer and the other wildlife in the wooded areas of the Del Webb community in Mt. Juliet, TN, walking, honoring her Jewish faith, reading, yoga and meditation, bridge and swimming. But hanging out with and loving Declan and Kylee became the biggest joy in Paige's life, especially towards the end. Her grandchildren loved Paige just as much, and they made each other’s lives more bright. 

Paige is survived by her husband, Jim Carney, her children, Kim, Aimee and Todd, her sons in law Martin McGrenera and Jared Ewing, as well as her grandchildren, Declan and Kylee McGrenera.  

A memorial service will be held at the Del Webb Lake Providence club house 1100 Del Webb Blvd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to https://gildasclubmiddletn.org/