Carol Lynn Elliott

The gale force wind that was Carol Elliott swept across our lives, leaving in its path a profound awareness of one whose life was lived to help and encourage others. Carol died peacefully on Monday, May 29th at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. A native of Albuquerque, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Duke Nattress. She is survived by her two siblings; sister, Tina Ellison and husband, Jackson; and her brother, Craig Elliott and wife, Wendy.

Carol will be remembered for her fierce independence, adventurous spirit, a love for animals, sports, the great outdoors, all things "New Mexico" and for dedication to her career. Her life's motto could have been, "I'll do it myself" as there was little Carol would not tackle on her own. At home she might be found repairing the roof, descending into the dark, creepy crawl space to address a plumbing issue or taking her old pickup (without power steering) deep into the Jemez mountains to spend a week "living off the land"!

She attended Monte Vista Elementary, Jefferson Junior High, Highland High School, the University of Hawaii, and UNM. Later she received her RN from what was then Saint Joseph Nursing school. Her love of animals was clearly on display from childhood. Carol would literally drag stray dogs home only to open the door and announce, "Look what followed me home! Can we keep it?" As an adult she cared for an ever-increasing family of turtles for 30+ years.

Carol was a cheerleader at Highland High and UNM and enjoyed participating in sports of all kinds. There were days during college that members of the Lobo men's basketball team would show up on the family driveway to shoot hoops in response to Carol's challenge to a game of HORSE...she won more than she lost! Carol carried on that role of "cheerleader" to family, friends and into her nursing career, tirelessly "cheering on" others with encouragement, compassion and care.

Her last few years were an exercise in perseverance as multiple physical conditions challenged her resolve to live with a focus on others rather than self. She held steadfast.

We will sorely miss that "GALE FORCE WIND"!!

Carol loved the forests of New Mexico. If you would like to make a donation in her memory to plant a tree in one of New Mexico's National Forests, please go on-line to www.alivingtribute.org. You can choose "New Mexico Natural Forests" by clicking on "Preferred Forest".

Please keep Carol and her family in your thoughts, hearts, and prayers. Per Carol's final wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.