eQuilter Blog

You may have read in our Saturday newsletter, that early last Thursday we lost my mother, our beloved Nana. Many of you met my mother over the years and decades, because she was such a part of our lives. I moved back to Colorado in 1990 as a major life decision, because I knew she would need me one day. We helped and supported and loved each other over the decades, and I would not be who I am today, without her enthusiastic support. In 2009 as her older husband’s health seriously declined and he needed fulltime nursing care, she moved in with our family. She had just about killed herself caring for an older ill spouse by herself. My whole family has been involved in helping her since then, and I am grateful to my husband and kids for their love and patience as we went on this journey with Mom.

My mother was a pianist, and she was my accompanist when I performed on my cello in junior high and high school. We won a talent show together. She shared her love of horses with me, and I got a pinto quarter horse and did junior barrel racing at 14 years old. She supported me as an artist, framing my artwork and hanging them on the walls. One of my paintings was on the wall next to her up until the end. She always had a hug and a smile, a positive word, and an optimistic outlook. She was a Pisces, a true idealist, and she always managed to always see the best in others.

At the age of 46 she had breast cancer. She survived the surgery, chemo and radiation, to live another 40 years. Paul’s mother was a BC survivor also, and hence the inclusion of Breast Cancer Research in our list of 7 charities. She was so proud of our success, our family, and every milestone as we raised money to help those in need. I know that I was so lucky to have her for a mother. The last time we spoke, she said, as she always did…”I am so lucky to have you as a daughter.” May you all be so blessed with such unconditional love in your life.

I have posted her obituary and some photos on this page, for those of you who would like to remember or know more about Carolye Johnson. When she came to the end, she was supported by a privately-owned hospice team who came to her room in the nursing home every day. I highly recommend seeking out a non-corporate hospice team when a family member needs this kind of support. They are Angels on Earth. Mom had the peaceful end of life that she deserved.

Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul

Carolye G Johnson (nee Collins, Walker) of Boulder, died Thursday November 9, 2023. She was born March 10, 1937 in Compton, Los Angeles, California to John Edgar Walker and Merle Frances Swanson Walker. She lived on a farm in Clackamas County, Oregon and attended the one-room Wildcat schoolhouse, later graduating from Molalla High School.

She attended business school before marrying her first husband, Kenneth G Collins in 1956. After moving to Milwaukee Wisconsin, she worked for General Electric while her husband attended college. A daughter was born there, and 2 sons were born later in California. In 1968 the family moved from Hermosa Beach CA, to Longmont Colorado. The couple divorced in 1976.

She remarried in 1977 to Vern Wilfred Johnson,  and they worked together in Johnson Realty. During these years she earned her Real Estate Brokers License and they worked in a business partnership. It  was during these years that she joined the Longmont Charter Chapter of ABWA, the American Business Women’s Association, serving in many positions and eventually as President. The organization raised scholarship money for women to return to finish their education, and she was very proud of her time in ABWA. Many of her closest friendships  came from these years.  She was a longtime friend and business associate of Eleanor Flanders of Longmont, assisting with matters for the Longmont Historical Society and the St Vrain Education Foundation.

Carolye was an accomplished pianist and thoughtful poet, encouraging her children and grandchildren to explore their musical and artistic talents, and pursue higher education. She was still playing her piano up until the last month of her life.  She was an avid outdoor enthusiast, going on daily long walks with Vern and their dogs, near their homes in Niwot, Louisville, and later Fort Lupton.  Their many years of real estate transactions in farm and ranch properties in Eastern Colorado, were reflected in their large vegetable garden at each residence.

She is survived by sons Kristopher (Alison) Collins of Rockville, Maryland; Brent Collins of Laguna Beach, California; and daughter Luana (Paul) Rubin of Boulder. Also grandchildren Connor Collins (Knoxville TN), Katie Collins (London UK), Mathilde Collins (New York City), Roman Collins (Newport Beach CA), Mason and Samuel Rubin (Boulder) and Sophie Quinn Rubin (Denver).

Carolye is remembered as a kind and generous woman, with a gentle nature, always promoting peace. She was quick to smile and give a hug, and to help anyone in need. Those who knew her always felt enriched to have her in their lives.  Her optimistic outlook made her a natural  leader and a beloved mother and grandmother.