Alli and Jenny,

Not a story -- just wanted you to know I'm thinking of mom today as I very often do.

She was a very special friend and I treasure the times, experiences and memories we

shared --including my visits with all of you. Hope you and family are all well.

Much love,

Billie

This is Melanie from utah. I was lucky enough to be your mom’s hair stylist when they came to Hurricane. Your mom was the most thoughtful kind helpful loving person. As they moved back to home your mom asked if I would like “Jack”. The  VW Jetta. I tried to buy it from them but as we know,, your mom was so giving she wouldn’t take a penny. It has been the biggest blessing in my life and the most amazing gift I’ve ever received. I think of her often… daily as I drive the car. I miss her terribly. Soo much love for all your family

Melanie Cowden

Dear Jenny and Allison, Such sad news and I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always kind, thoughtful, beautiful , sincere and a great listener!

Tom and I will treasure our memories of your parents … especially our visit in Montana and Utah.

Thinking of you both and your beautiful children.

Billie Schildkraut has just told me about the tragic death of our beloved Lynn and Larry! My parents adored Lynn, who was a remarkable, warm and exotic presence in my childhood. Her Peace Corps experiences inspired me to a global career and I am forever grateful to have had her in my life. When she got married, Lynn and Larry, were always said in the same breath. I fondly remember family visits and seem to clearly remember their deck in Chatham and a home so filled with warmth and smiles. She will be missed, but not forgotten! 

Carolyn was one of the most truly beautiful people, all the way through, that I have ever known. For 6 years we lived just below their shining house on a hill; unfortunately, we never got together often, but when that happened, she always made me feel like we had been best friends forever. After moving away, I stopped in 2 or 3 times when back in Montana. It was always a highlight of the trip, talking about everything  on earth for a couple of ours, enjoying the incredible view from their house —& wishing that the whole world could be made up of people like Carolyn,  because then It truly would be heaven. I’ve always thought the phrase “dearly missed” was an oxymoron—but now it makes sense. Carolyn, you will be dearly missed by so many!

Can’t say enough wonderful things about this amazing woman.  Love seeing her smile on these photos.  Such an ever present feature.  Smart, beautiful, curios, committed…such a role model.  I will miss her. 

Dear Allison and Jenny, we were shocked to hear of your mother's passing. Our deepest condolences. She was beautiful inside and out. Her smile was always welcoming and always radiated warmth. 

Dear Alison and Jenny,  I am in shock having just read that your Mom died.  I wrote her after your Dad died and as always, she faced life with such enthusiasm and hope.  We spent so many hours together and shared so much of our lives. For years.  I admired her so much and we shared both fun and our work in such meaningful ways. We shared so much on the court and on long walks. No matter how tired, she gave her all to her patients, and then had to go home each night and face all of the charts. Her family always meant everything to her and she was so proud of you all.  I don't know what happened.  I know the world shines a little less brightly without her. And I know her light still shines in all of our hearts.  Love to you and your families.  You had and still have, the best of the best. Both your Mom and Dad live forever in your hearts.  Take comfort from all of the love coming to you all.  Debbie Mueller

I had the honor of working with and also being a patient of Carolyn.  What an amazing kind and caring woman 

Allison and Jenny, your mother was such a special friend. I'm sorry for your loss but so grateful, Allison, that you reached out to me in this tragedy. Perhaps our shared medical backgrounds started our friendship, but our lives and friendship blended wonderfully. I will miss her and our long conversations. Stay strong. Patricia

I had the honor of working with Carolyn for three years. Her compassion for her work was limitless. Her capacity for listening was constant. Our work relationship blossomed into a friendship. We loved going to the Wild Table after a workout or walking the golf course after a picnic lunch. We had long conversations about our personal lives and listened to one another’s struggles. She felt like a big sister to me. She loved her family so much and her “three little boys” were lights in her eyes. Shine on Carolyn, Laura Hollman

I was at a time between jobs and didn't have a lot of money, particularly for health care, but I was hurting, emotionally and spiritually after losing a job and struggling with decades-long depression.  I sought out a doctor, and found my way to the Riverstone Health Clinic in Bridger, MT, as they had a sliding pay scale for their services.  I ended up with Carolyn Smith.  Truth be told I was fed up with male doctors who I'd utilized most of my life for various health related things, so I specifically sought out a woman as a doctor, assuming (quite rightly) that a woman would be more compassionate.  It was my lucky day, as again, I found Carolyn!

On that first visit, it was clear that there weren't many patients in the office that day, but I can't tell you how important it was that when Carolyn came into the exam room, she spent the next TWO! hours with me, mostly just listening to me and getting to know me as a patient and as a person.  I didn't realize just how much I just needed to talk to someone that had a gift for astute insights like Carolyn did.  Two hours!  What a rare thing in this day of the 15 minute appointments!  This was the personal level of health care I desperately sought.  And that Carolyn so deeply provided.

In subsequent visits, I learned that Carolyn had served in the Peace Corps in the early days of the Peace Corps, as I had done years later, in the mid-90's.  One thing I learned in the Peace Corps was the tremendous general quality of those inclined to serve.  That kind of selfless-ness was written all over Carolyn's personality and I picked up on it right away and very much felt I was in good hands.

It doesn't surprise me that Carolyn struggled with computerized record keeping and reporting.  Someone so keen on human interaction as Carolyn was, was likely destined to see less personal, computer-based health care as the enemy!

Though I only met Larry once or twice, Carolyn always talked about him and about her girls with such enthusiasm and such pride!  Even with a patient, such as myself.  I appreciated that she shared as much about her own personality as she heard about me and mine.  That's a rarity in a doctor.  But Carolyn was a rare Doctor.

Carolyn always talked about inviting me and a colleague of hers (and friend of mine) over for dinner.  Alas, it never quite happened.  One should always take advantage of those opportunities for togetherness, lest they never get fulfilled.  She went away too soon!  Instead I will have to be satisfied with the wonderful memories I have of Carolyn (she was never just Dr. Smith to me).  I always remember her with a kind of comfortable, golden glow around her.  Thank you for your boundless compassion and sensitivity, Carolyn!

David Kallenbach, Red Lodge, MT.

Thanksgiving