Carilynn Elise Kalamaya

Carilynn Elise Kalamaya was born with ease in Longmont on June 26, 1981. She arrived in a caring family and grew into a close community. She walked a block to Central Elementary school. Then she attended Westview Middle School and Longmont High School. She experienced terrific and caring teachers and mentors along the way. She graduated from Longmont High School in 2000.

Our daughter’s youth included many activities. She had a horse and competed in many equestrian events. She lettered in soccer in high school.

Cari completed her formal education at the University of Colorado in Boulder majoring in history. She was surrounded by many friends in college and enjoyed the typical college experience.

She then headed to Steamboat Springs. She had worked part time in restaurants in high school and stayed with the dining business after college. She learned the chef’s craft from formally trained chefs in Steamboat. They were skilled and she benefited from their excellence.

Problems arose after college. The restaurant worker culture is often attended by substance abuse and in addition Cari was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

She moved to Wyoming and worked at a few highly regarded resorts and restaurants. One holiday she prepared a gourmet meal for Alicia Keys! And she loved Wyoming.

Mental and physical challenges escalated. She began to have seizures. The downward spiral led to her death March 8 although in the end the isolation of the pandemic and attending unemployment and isolation may have just broken her heart. She deeply cared for the people in her life and she also cared for life’s underdogs. She volunteered at the therapeutic riding center. She learned Spanish to communicate with her co-workers. Through all her tribulations she battled mental illness doggedly and with courage.

Losing Cari has deeply affected those that remain: Her mother, Nanci; Her father, Rick; her brother, Ryan, and his wife, Holly. She loved her niece, Colby and nephew, Jack. And her dog, Nala, misses her as well. A dog was always central to her time on this earth.

The family with initiate a get together later in warmer days near Cari’s birthday. A tree will be planted and accompanied by her ashes. Always remember the good times!