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.
