Dear Jim, Marty, Laura and Martha,

I'm only seeing this now, and I'm sorry for that. I wanted to reach out to tell you how much I loved knowing Carol at Trinity and especially working with her on the Vestry and doing Free Lunch. I always looked forward to seeing her and found her so easy to talk with. I trusted her opinions implicitly and I always learned from anything she shared. It meant so much to me that she came to my PhD graduation party as well! I haven't been back to Iowa City for several years now, and it saddens me to think I can't see her again when I do. She just simply had a great spirit and I'm grateful to have known her. My deepest condolences to you all.

Barb Shubinski

Dear Jim, Laura, Martha, Marty, and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm so very grateful to have been able to spend time with you all in Iowa City last March just before the pandemic hit. Many other precious memories sharing our loves of music, gardening, dogs, and conversation will remain with me forever. Above all, I remember Carol as an unusually gentle, understanding, and spiritual soul.

My heart goes out to you all.

Jane Leland

Marty, Matisse, Beckett, Ingrid, Martha and Laura, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was an amazing, intelligent, energetic and multi-talented woman who raised some of my favorite people. She must have been so proud of each of you. May her music always be with you. Love, Jacquie

My deepest sympathies to Marty and the rest of the Christensens.

I came across your mother's obituary this morning, and although I only visited your house there by Hickory Hills a few times as a boy, I recognized her photo immediately. I am very sorry for your loss,

Peter Giaquinta

Carol was the very first person to welcome us to Trinity Church when we happened to sit next to her the first time we visited. Over the years she became a cherished, much admired friend who will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to Jim, Laura, and the whole family from John and Ann Christenson. Find peace and blessings in your memories of her life well lived.

I was Carol’s hairdresser for 35+ years.We had many deep conversations about spirituality and many other less deep conversations about family, gardening and music. I loved and admired her.

I’ll never forget when she left Iowa City to go take care of her daughter Laura after a horrific car accident. It changed her. I also remember when Martha adopted a little girl and Carol showed me a picture of the two of them. I could see true love and Carol was so proud and thrilled, and we know she didn’t express that readily.

She also spoke with love and pride of her son and his music and eventually his marriage and children. I thought Mattise was such a beautiful name.

I missed her when she got cancer and started to lose her hair. I shaved her head and reluctantly sent her on her way with the wig. I was so glad to see her back again with a new shorter cut.

I’m retired and live in Ankeny now but I hope I can come to her service. I’ll keep in touch with other mutual friends to know when.

Jackie Froelich

Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Laura and family!

I first met Carol back in the 1970's. She was a madrigal vocalist in the Collegium Musicum when Ed Kottick directed it, and I played recorder and other early instruments. I remember her having a most commanding presence and a strong alto voice and I was very impressed. In 1996, when we built our house, she took in our Norfolk pine plant which was getting so tall and out of hand. I also remember her work with Project Green when I was volunteering for them as well.

My condolences on your loss Laura and family .

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Cherish all the good memories you have of your beautiful mother .

Thinking of you

Matt Gavin

Carol and Jim were my first customers (house painting) and just last fall i enjoyed working on their north liberty home...Carol was always the same, kind welcoming spirit i knew for 50 years....steve warner