I was married to Bob Kirkman, Carollyn's grandfather Dave's brother. We had one daughter, Maria and it was she who found the notice regarding Carolyn and emailed me the sad news. Maria is the only one to have met Carolyn and has two photographs of her. I am so very sorry for your loss and will remember your daughter in my prayers always. When I saw a photo of Carolyn years ago I thought it was a photo of my own daughter. I could not believe the resemblance and for a long while kept her photo on my refrig to see how many others thought it was Maria. I can still see clearly the Kirkman resemblance. If you read this, please email me kjh5803@comcast.net and I will send you a copy of the photos. God bless you all. Kathy Kirkman Harrobin.

Dear Joan and family,

My partner and I only had the pleasure of Carolyn's company on a handful of occasions but it was clear from the first minute what a kind, open, warm young woman she is. She is dearly missed and fondly remembered even by those of us with the briefest exposure to her joyfulness.

I am so sorry for your loss. Carolyn had the best laugh and always seemed so happy, I feel lucky to have known her and know she will be missed by so many. My condolences to the family.

I have many wonderful memories of Carolyn from high school. She was such a kind and generous spirit. I am truly saddened by the news of her passing- my heart goes out to her family and friends.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I went to City High with Carolyn and she was a wonderful person. My thoughts are with your family.

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I knew Carolyn from high school and will always remember her gorgeous smile and twinkle in her eye.

Dear Joan,

I was so sad to hear about Carolyn's passing and the difficult time you you must be going through. I was out of the country at the time and thus my note is arriving late, but it is is filled with just as many condolences. I know you will miss Carolyn terribly, but I also know you will cherish the memories you have together. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. My number is 319-400-3068.

with sympathy,

Helen Jameson

Dear Joan and family,

I was so sorry to hear about Carolyn. She was such a great friend! I knew her from when we were young little girls at Grant Wood and remember all our good times growing up together. Birthday and slumber parties were so much fun! I can still remember a slumber party we had at your house growing up. It's so hard to see someone so great taken away but I hope you can have peace as time goes by and know how much she touched us all. May God Bless you! Sincerely, Heather (Leu) Link and family

Joan,

Dear Joan and family,

I was so sorry to read about Carolyn in the paper. I went to school with her for four years at City High and have memories of many good times shared. She has always been such a beautiful person. Even now I can recall the sound of her voice and of her laugh. Many blessings to you all as you begin to walk your path of life no longer with her, but forever touched by her beauty and amazing spirit.

Dear Joan. I cannot imagine the pain you must feel from losing your beautiful daughter...you gave her life and shared your brilliance with her...only to have a dreaded disease take her from earth while so young. My heart bleeds for you and I cup your face in my hands and share your cry of pain. BUT we all know there is only one road to take out of this...and you are surrounded by people who will be there to help you get there. Know Carolyn's memories can never be taken from you...feel them daily and let them sooth your heart. Love you...larry

Dear Joan --

My Dearest Laura,

Thoughts and prayers are with you... so sorry to hear of your loss.

Dear Joan, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Carolyn's life story is a full one, as is yours. I wish for you and your family and friends real consolation and God's peace.

Thom

Dear Joan,

We've laughed together at public radio meetings. A childless woman (with a lifetime full of deejays as surrogates), I can only imagine how full your heart must be. Here's my hug.

Kate

Joan - so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Joan, My thoughts and prayers are wtih you and your family at this difficult time. The pictures of Carolyn reflect a beautiful, happy young woman who I'm sure will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy for your loss. --- Regina

I am sorry to hear about Carolyn. I have such happy memories of having fun in high school. My condolences and sympathy to her family. May her memory be eternal.

Joan,

Dear Joan,

Dearest Joan,

I'm thinking of you at this moment in time when the world isn't as bright as it once was. My heart aches for you and your family. May the cherished memories and images help you through the days ahead. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.

With sincerity and hope,

Bev.

I'm very sorry to hear about Carolyn. I went to highschool with her and have fun memories of the time we spent together.

Joan and Family,

We send our deepest sympathies. Carolyn was a shining personality and she always made people feel welcome in her presence. We can only hope that research will someday find the cures to end these early losses of our beloved friends and relatives.

Stephen and Becky

Joan, David, Greg and family,

I was honored to be able to share in your time tonight honoring Carolyn. It gave me a very heavy heart to learn not only of her untimely passing but the immense struggle she endured, as well as all of you. Many of my happiest childhood memories were made with your beautiful Carolyn...lemonade stands, peanut butter pancakes, Cory Hart concert with our sunglasses on (oh yes, we did), and sleepovers with our cabbage patch dolls. Anyone who knew Carolyn was blessed indeed, for she is one of those rare people who can truly be said to have a heart of gold. One of my favorite funny memories is when Carolyn and I were in a political disagreement (yes, in grade school :-)) and she and I were hastily sending notes back and forth about our championed political candidates...she remarked to me that if I was so impressed with Ronald Reagan I should learn to spell his name correctly (as I had misspelled it in a note to her). :-) I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Dear Joan, Jay and family,

We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Carolyn's family and friends!

Our son, Brian, was in grade school, jr. high and high school with Carolyn. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult times. May your memories console you!

Sincerely,

Kathy & Dennis Brechler

Brian & Lindsay Brechler (Olathe, KS)

Chris and I were so shocked and saddened to hear about Carolyn. We worked together at Cinemas I and II when we were teenagers, and I always thought she was so sweet, funny and glamorous. I will be thinking of you, Carolyn!

I am so very sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. I have such fond memories of her beautiful smile and loving personality. I'll always remember trying to memorize Shakespeare together for 10th grade English and the wonderful brownies she always baked for calculus study sessions at the Union. She always had a way to make things more joyful.

I just wanted to express my deep sympahty to Carolyn's family and friends. I knew Carolyn in junior high and high school and have many fond memories of her during that time. I remember a trip to Swisher to learn how to line dance, giggling over our creepy eigth grade science teacher Mr. Bannow and fretting over english assignments in high school. Carolyn was a wonderfully friendly, open and caring person and I'm sure she will be greatly missed.

Though we did not know Carolyn personally ,we were deeply touched by her life through Jackie, her aunt. We want to send our deepest sympathies to you all - We are so sorry for the loss of Carolyn and know she holds such a special place in all your lives.

Sincerely,

Ian, Sonatina & Simone Fernandes

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Carolyn. She was in my high school class, and she was so beautiful, intelligent and warm. She was so positive and full of life, such a joy to be around, and I enjoyed re-connecting with her over the last couple of years. I send my deepest sympathy to the family.

Dear Joan,

Dear Joan,

News of the death of your beloved daughter has reached us in northern Wisconsin. I can only imagine the sadness and loss you must be feeling.

Please know that so many of your friends are holding you in their hearts

at this difficult time. We send our love and sympathy. Ellen and John Buchanan

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of tremendous loss but please know that Carolyn's spirit, energy and enormous passion and love of life will live on in all those whose lives she has touched. We hope you will continue to celebrate all the wonderful things that Carolyn contributed to this world - her legacy will live on in your memories forever.

Lois, Karen, Jesse and Lauren Gray

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Even though we only met your daughter a few times she was the most pleasant and caring person and a lot of fun to be around. Joan, let me know if there is anything I can do or if you ever need to just talk.

Joan,

We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. While we didn't know Carolyn as long as many others, we feel extremely fortunate to have met her -- her warm, sincere and caring nature made us feel like we have known her for much longer. I'm sure she has touched many lives and her memory will live on to touch several others. We have been truly inspired by Carolyn's strength and positive outlook during her whole battle with cancer, even when she could have given up. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that you will always have friends in us and we'll always be here for you.

Dear Joan and family:

It was an honor and privledge to care for Carolyn during her chemotherapy treatments. I always left Carolyn feeling truly inspired by her grace and courage. My heartfelt sympathies to Joan and family for your loss.

Dear Joan,

The world was a better place for having Carolyn in it. She always had a way of cheering people up and bringing a smile to everyone's face! She will be deeply missed by anyone who met her.

Joan, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine Carolyn's personality being warm, friendly, bright and bubbly just like her mom. May her amazing spirit continue to shine in the hearts of those living in remembrance of her love and joy.

Dear Joan:

I was so very sorry to read of the death of your dear daughter. I'm in Maine now so I cannot share my condolences in person.

I know how terribly difficult these losses are and want you to know that I am thinking of you and your great loss.

Fondly, Peter

You are in our hearts and prayers.

Joan--I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. ...Betty Breazeale

I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Carolyn's family and friends. The stars were a little brighter the last couple of nights, and it breaks my heart to know why. Carolyn always and I mean always lit up the room with her smile, positive energy and kindness. I was blessed to know her for the time I did. Blesses to you all. When you think of her just smile, that's what she would have done! Blesses.

Greg, Dave and Joan,

To Carolyn's family and friend, I am so sorry for your loss. It's a terrible thing to lose someone so young and with so much to give. It is clear she is very much loved.

Anne

Joan, just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself during this challenging time.

I went to high school with Carolyn and graduated in 1994 from City High School with her. She was always so very nice in high school and was always willing to help out those in need. She was one of most outgoing and friendly people in our graduating class. I was very shocked when I read that she had passed away.

Sadly I didn't get to know Carolyn before she was sick. Luckily I got to meet her during one of the greatest challenges of her and her families life and witness the remarkable character they all shared. The entire time I knew Carolyn she was in pain, limited in mobility and generally having an experience that would try the truest heart. Despite this, her upbeat attitude smile and real interest in the people around her was an inspiration. If there is a genetic link to positive attitude and courage, Joan and Carolyn have it.

know that my sympathy surrounds each of you at this time.

linda sexton fobian~a friend of Laura's

I am so sorry to hear about Carolyn. We had such a good time together in college and I will always treasure her friendship. I was so impressed with her positive attitude, sense of humor, kindness, and brave outlook while she was battling her cancer. I have so many fond memories of my friend and she we will be missed!

I am so saddened to hear of Carolyn's passing. I cared for her when she was an inpatient at UIHC. Although I didn't know her well personally, she was a joy to take care of - she was always so pleasant and positive. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

I'm sorry to hear about Carolyn. I will remember her as being outgoing and upbeat. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.

Miss Carolyn was such a wonderful, sweet, caring, kind, generous soul. I am so sorry about your loss - she was a sweetheart who will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Joan and family, it was only after I posted the below that I read the truly beautiful tribute you wrote to her (posted on this site). It says so MUCH about, as you say, your beautiful, golden girl! Thank you for it.

No words I can think of even come close to conveying how kind, generous, gracious, warm, gentle, beautiful and loving a human being Carolyn was. She glowed in such a special way. Even in such physical pain her concern for others was so deep and unwavering. She made such a difference for us all; her presence among us was such a gift. Thank your for this beautiful photograph with that lovely smile! Thinking of you and her with love and deepest sympathies!

We're very sorry about Carolyn and would like to offer our condolences and sympathy to her family.