Carol "Scott" Carlson Alley

Carol Scott Carlson Alley, known affectionately as Scott to her many friends, lived a remarkable life filled with professional accomplishments, lasting friendships, generosity, and love for her family. Born on April 12, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was raised in East McKeesport by her parents, Frank and Ruth Carlson. While her professional life was distinguished by achievement and dedication, those who knew her will also remember her warmth, thoughtfulness, love of tradition, and the special place she made in the lives of so many.

After graduating from High School, Scott attended Muskingum College in Ohio where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954.

Scott moved to Chicago after graduating where she began her professional career in publishing, working at the Methodist Publishing House on Together, a national family magazine with a circulation of more than one million. She had many adventures in Chicago and enjoyed a very active social life. It was there that she met and married, Rembert "Rem" Alley Jr.

Shortly after she and Rem married, they moved to New Mexico where she spent the rest of her life. She made her home in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell before ultimately returning to Albuquerque, the city she would call home for the remainder of her life.

While living in Santa Fe, Scott was the editor of El Palacio, the magazine of the Museum of New Mexico, from 1966 to 1968. During her tenure, she broadened the magazine's scope, helping to expand its coverage.

When the family moved to Roswell her career shifted to radio and eventually television. She joined radio stations KKAT and KSWS where she was the first woman news director and developed Roswell's first radio talk show. She eventually joined KBIM-TV where she produced and hosted New Mexico Today from 1975 to 1979, interviewing hundreds of local, national, and international figures which helped make the program the station's top-rated show.

Scott continued her career at Eastern New Mexico University Roswell, where she served as Director of Development and Public Information. She later joined Senator Jeff Bingaman's staff in Roswell as District Coordinator before moving to Albuquerque, where she continued her work in communications, coordinating press conferences, interviews, public events, and media outreach throughout New Mexico.

In 1990, Scott joined the University of New Mexico as a Public Affairs Specialist. One of her principal responsibilities was organizing events and special functions for the President. She had a keen interest in mentoring students, helping them find their footing professionally and guiding them toward meaningful careers.

One former student who remained a dear friend, described Scott's influence this way:

"She led us into jobs, into meaningful careers. She had a high work ethic and expected it of us as well. If you showed her you could and would work hard, she took you under her wing and molded you. That is part of her talent, seeing something in you that you might not see or believe in yourself, and helping to realize it. Scott had a remarkable ability to recognize the potential in others and help them discover their own capabilities. Her influence reached far beyond her formal responsibilities, shaping the confidence, work ethic, and careers of the students she mentored."

Following her retirement from UNM, Scott continued her commitment to the University by co-founding the UNM Retiree Association. She helped organize the association, develop its bylaws, and establish its first Board of Directors in 2003. She was also an avid Lady Lobo basketball fan.

Throughout her life, Scott found herself part of some truly memorable experiences. She walked the golf course alongside Nancy Lopez when Lopez won the Colgate European Open, met the Dalai Lama, and even brought homemade cookies backstage for Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These stories capture Scott's curiosity, warmth, and enthusiasm for life, as well as her knack for creating unexpected connections and collecting wonderful memories along the way.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Scott's life was rich with the things she loved most: her family and friends, books, gardening, holidays, and giving to others. She was deeply devoted to her friendships and had a special gift for making people feel remembered and appreciated. Gift-giving was one of her favorite ways to express affection, and she delighted in finding just the right present for the people she loved.

The holidays held a special place in Scott's heart. She was well known for playing the Easter Bunny, bringing joy, laughter, and a little magic to those around her. She was an avid reader and a dedicated member of several book clubs, where she shared not only her love of books but also the companionship of dear friends. She remained part of one beloved book club until her passing, a testament to the lasting friendships she nurtured throughout her life.

Scott cherished her Thursday hair appointments with Marco, a highlight she looked forward to each week. She was fortunate to have two extraordinary friends, Rosa Munoz and Bertha Armijo. Through their help with her home, meals, and appointments, they played an essential role in allowing Scott to remain in her own home, surrounded by the familiar comforts and independence she valued.

Scott is survived by her two sons, RC Alley III and his wife, Theresa Alley, and Daniel Alley and his partner, Sallie Stetzer. RC and Theresa's family includes their sons, Ryan Alley and his wife, Hunter (and Scott's two great grandsons Reese and Pierce), and Jacob Alley and his wife, Julia. She is also survived by her older brother, Jack Carlson, and his three daughters, Christy, Kim, and Wendy.

One of the most important people in Scott's life was her cousin, Terry Lyons, with whom she shared a particularly meaningful bond. Terry's daughters, Katie Boyd and her husband, Dan Boyd, and Julie Lyons were also important parts of Scott's extended family.

Scott's life was one of curiosity, accomplishment, generosity, and connection. She broke professional barriers, helped shape public communications in New Mexico, and left her mark on the institutions she served. But just as importantly, she remembered birthdays, delighted in holidays, nurtured friendships, tended her garden, shared books, and gave freely of herself. She saw potential in others and helped them believe in what they could become.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, independence, warmth, generosity, high standards, and the many thoughtful ways she made life brighter for the people around her. Her legacy lives on in her family, her friends, the students she mentored, her professional contributions, and the countless memories of a woman who knew how to make people feel loved and capable. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the United Way in Scott's memory. A private funeral will be held in November, followed by a Celebration of Life in early 2027. Those wishing to receive information about the Celebration of Life are invited to email their contact information to CarolScottAlleyCelebration@gmail.com