Glenview teacher and realtor Carolyn Koenig Eigel dies at 80

Glenview residents lost a familiar presence in local schools and real estate on October 25, 2026. Carolyn Koenig Eigel, 80, died at her home surrounded by family. Her death marks the end of a dual career that connected the town's educational and property sectors for decades.

Eigel taught music at Grove Elementary School for many years. During that time, she remained active in the school's parent-teacher association. She also maintained a role in the community's social fabric, participating in the choir at Glenview Community Church and serving in Chapter 9 of the congregation.

Her professional background extended beyond the classroom. Eigel worked for Koenig & Strey Realtors, the business founded by her parents, Edward and Norma Koenig. She began her tenure as a teenage file clerk after graduating from Glenbrook North High School in 1964. Years later, she returned to the company as a saleswoman. In that capacity, she directed the firm's orientation training program for new hires.

Born in Chicago on July 31, 1946, Eigel spent her childhood in Elmwood Park before the family moved to Glenview. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Illinois in Champaign. While at the university, she met Christopher, a Phi Gamma Delta member, at a blind date arranged by a friend during her freshman year. They remained married for 58 years.

Eigel balanced her work with a varied personal life. She competed in water ballet, a sport she had captained at her high school as a member of the Aquianas club. She also taught piano and performed at friends' weddings. Her family noted that she hosted gatherings at their seasonal homes on Beaver Lake in Wisconsin and Miromar Lakes in Florida. These locations served as bases for holidays and family reunions where she was known for preparing meals and welcoming guests.

She is survived by her husband, Christopher; her children, Jeff, Ted, and Amy Reynolds; and seven grandchildren. Her siblings, Tom Koenig, Nancy Davis, and Jeanne Hanson, also survive her. The family described her as a person who sought the good in others and rarely spoke unkindly of anyone.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2026, at Glenview Community Church. The family has asked that contributions in her name be directed to the American Cancer Society or the HEAR Scholarship Foundation instead of flowers.