Carolyn Roseann Hummel, 68, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in Bigfork.
Affectionately known as "Care" to her family and loved ones, she was born on Nov. 16, 1945, to Bill and Pauline Hummel, in Chicago, Ill. Her early childhood was spent in Toronto, Canada, before the family returned to Chicago in 1960.
Carolyn graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a major in physical education. She taught PE at Northbrook Junior High School and then at Westmoor Elementary School, before retiring with over 30 years of service in the Northbrook, Ill., school system.
Carolyn loved the outdoors and the many activities it offered. She traveled extensively, capturing exquisite photos of the countries that she visited and the scuba diving adventures that she enjoyed. In 2003, she moved to Bigfork, where she pursued her passion for kayaking, swimming, and soaking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the vast lakes nearby. Eventually, she followed the road to Kalispell, where she became an active member of the community by joining the Rotary Club, Valley Voices, the Good Times Chorus, and the Museum at Central School and volunteered in many other community organizations. In June, 2013, the Rotary honored her with its first-ever Carolyn Hummel Spirit Award.
Despite her illness, Carolyn continued to pack as many activities as possible in every 24-hour day. She participated in the Dragon Boat Festival, she hiked, biked, kayaked, attended musical concerts and art shows, played Bonco with her gal pals, and always made playtime special for Buzzy, her beloved Lab.
Surviving Carolyn are two brothers, Bill (Carol) of Dublin, Ohio, and Donald of Roswell, N.M., along with uncles Herman and Harry and an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Together, they wish to offer a sincere thank-you to all of those friends and acquaintances who encouraged her and lifted her up during her journey toward recovery. Also, to Dr. Tony and the staff at Hope4Cancer and The Delta Institute, and for the kindnesses shown to Carolyn at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center, deep appreciation is given. Cremation was performed by Buffalo Hills Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will be Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Museum at Central School.
May the sunsets that Carolyn photographed and loved so much, continue to remind us of her enthusiasm for the beauty and friendships that Montana offered; and may her mantra, "Joyfully sings my soul" linger on.
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Affectionately known as "Care" to her family and loved ones, she was born on Nov. 16, 1945, to Bill and Pauline Hummel, in Chicago, Ill. Her early childhood was spent in Toronto, Canada, before the family returned to Chicago in 1960.
Carolyn graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a major in physical education. She taught PE at Northbrook Junior High School and then at Westmoor Elementary School, before retiring with over 30 years of service in the Northbrook, Ill., school system.
Carolyn loved the outdoors and the many activities it offered. She traveled extensively, capturing exquisite photos of the countries that she visited and the scuba diving adventures that she enjoyed. In 2003, she moved to Bigfork, where she pursued her passion for kayaking, swimming, and soaking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the vast lakes nearby. Eventually, she followed the road to Kalispell, where she became an active member of the community by joining the Rotary Club, Valley Voices, the Good Times Chorus, and the Museum at Central School and volunteered in many other community organizations. In June, 2013, the Rotary honored her with its first-ever Carolyn Hummel Spirit Award.
Despite her illness, Carolyn continued to pack as many activities as possible in every 24-hour day. She participated in the Dragon Boat Festival, she hiked, biked, kayaked, attended musical concerts and art shows, played Bonco with her gal pals, and always made playtime special for Buzzy, her beloved Lab.
Surviving Carolyn are two brothers, Bill (Carol) of Dublin, Ohio, and Donald of Roswell, N.M., along with uncles Herman and Harry and an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Together, they wish to offer a sincere thank-you to all of those friends and acquaintances who encouraged her and lifted her up during her journey toward recovery. Also, to Dr. Tony and the staff at Hope4Cancer and The Delta Institute, and for the kindnesses shown to Carolyn at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center, deep appreciation is given. Cremation was performed by Buffalo Hills Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will be Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Museum at Central School.
May the sunsets that Carolyn photographed and loved so much, continue to remind us of her enthusiasm for the beauty and friendships that Montana offered; and may her mantra, "Joyfully sings my soul" linger on.
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