Carli Blanco

Carli Jo Blanco, 14, treasured daughter of Dave and Sheila (Schmitt) Blanco and sister to Katie Blanco passed away at her home on April 4, 2017. Carli was born on March 17, 2003. She grew up in the Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago, attended St. Florian’s Catholic School, and was currently in 8th grade at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Whiting, IN. She was a talented vocal and instrumental musician, an excellent student, and a passionate Sherlock Holmes fan. She excelled at science, and loved her teachers. Carli was looking forward to attending Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in the fall of 2017, and dreamed of attending Oxford University in England to become an astrophysicist.

Carli’s true nature was one of tender sensitivity. She was deeply wounded when she saw others mistreated or bullied, and often befriended those who struggled to fit in. As a result, she shouldered more pain than her 14 year-old soul could carry. Despite the best efforts of her family, teachers, and professionals, Carli lost her battle with depression and ended her own life. While we may never be able to make sense of Carli’s tragic death, it is her family’s deepest desire that those who were touched by Carli’s life talk openly about suicide, and learn more about this disease. For more information, please visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/ or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

In addition to her parents and sister, Carli is survived by her grandfather, Earl Schmitt, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Martin and Gabriella Blanco, grandmother Nell Schmitt, and uncle Chris Schmitt.

Donations will be used to establish a scholarship fund in Carli’s memory.