Carmen Ann Killam
October 01, 2010
Carmen Ann Killam, died Friday, October 1, 2010, at the age of 30, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born January 17, 1980 in Des Moines to Larry and Linda Killam.
She graduated from Ankeny High School in 1998 and continued her education at Iowa State University, graduating in 2003. Carmen attended graduate school for three years at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. She was employed by the Utah Opera as a Milliner (hat maker) where she was able to utilize her creativity. Carmen was a strong willed, kind and generous person who had a beautiful smile. She had a love of animals, music, dancing, traveling and being around others.
Carmen is survived by her parents, Larry and Linda Killam of Ankeny; brother, Jason Killam of Ankeny; aunts and uncles, Tom and Marcia North of Waunakee, WI, Cheryl and Roger Wertenberger of Ames, IA, Jim and Inez Killam of Osage Beach, MO; great-aunt, Wilma Otis of Afton, IA; cousins, Rachel and Mike North, Sarah and Jim Henle, Anne and Patrick Gurdgiel, Elizabeth Litwak, Nate Killam and Jamie Killam; her beloved cocker spaniel, Toby; as well as other numerous relatives and friends. Carmen was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ken and Helen Nauman, and John and Arlene Killam.
We will always remember Carmen’s calming spirit and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Friends may visit with family from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to the Utah Opera Production Studios, 336 N 400th W, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103, in loving memory of Carmen Ann Killam.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dan Launderville
10/05/2010
Linda, Larry, and Jason:
Words do nothing to ease the profound loss of Carmen. Understand that all of us, as family and friends, are here to help and support in anyway possible. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Staci K. Kern
10/04/2010
To All of those who have Known and Loved Carmen:
Carmen was by far the Greatest Friend I had while studying together at IU. She was Wonderful, Caring, Clever, Humbel, Hilarious, Calming, Beautiful, Talented and Kind. I remember late nights in the costume shop, working and dancing to The Darkness, David Bowie, Switchfoot and Jamiroquai; cause as Carmen would say "you always need a little Jamiroquai". The night we went to the Mall and as we were leaving fancied a puppy fix and there he was Mr. Fluffy Pants in all his cuteness. Carmen was going to go home to think about it and then decided she didn't like the passive employees and the chance that he might be snatched by some irresponsible youth. She said to heck with it, she'd find a way to pay for her other expences some how, tonight that cute cocker spaniel was hers. We went to the 24 hour Wal-Mart got Puppy supplies and then back to her place to set things up and contemplate names into the wee hours. Did you know, she almost named Tobby Maynard after the leed singer of A Perfect Circle? Spontanious she could be :) Caring she was, always there to help no matter what. She loved her Mother's crocheting, would talk about her Dad's go-carts and was really scared for but proud of her Brother when he joined the service. I knew her as an amazing, gifted and humbel Artist who's imagination and talent was boundless. And I too remember her trademark jeans with the scuffed and tattered heels because they were almost always too long unless she was wearing her beloved platformed tennisshoes. She called herself "fluffy" something I hadn't heard of before and now will referr to myself as sometimes. She would blush at just about anything. She loved trying new ingredients. I remember her hunting for a week for something called bulger and I'm still not quite sure what it is but she found it and loved it. I enjoyed every minute I spent with her and I can't believe she is gone. She was my friend and will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Hammond
10/04/2010
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Killam,
Carmen and I both started as MFA students at IU together in 2003. I was in Technical Direction, so I mostly saw Carmen in classes and at social functions. But there came a day when one of my shop assignments was to sew something, and when I walked into that immaculate costume shop, I was completely at sea. I just sort of sat at a sewing machine and stared at it. Carmen instantly came over from the cutting table to show me how to thread the machine. Over the next three years, there would be countless ocassions when Carmen had to show me how to thread the sewing machine because I could never remember how to do it. Eventually, she would see me walk in, and she would just go to a machine, thread it, and say "here you go, Leslie." I always liked the time I got to steal in the costume shop with Carmen; she loved to play 20 questions while we worked, and she would always come up with the most bizarre people to "be." During our second year, we had to go on this road trip to the Stratford Shakepeare theater in Canada; it was a long drive, so the shop crew decided to outfit our van with a television, DVD player, and a Playstation. We had an extra seat, and we definitely wanted Carmen in that extra seat because she's such a cool lady. So, we grabbed her stuff, forced her in our van, and made her play Need for Speed and watch Smokey and the Bandit. Mostly, it was nice for me to have another girl in the car, especially Carmen, who was always a really lovely person to talk to and spend time with.
I will always think of Carmen with great fondness and respect. She is so talented and gifted, but more importantly, she is a wonderfully kind individual who was good to her friends and loved her dog. I am keeping your family in my thoughts, and I hope you're able to find some peace in this difficult and sad time.
Sincerely,
Leslie Hammond
Qiong Hulsey
10/04/2010
I am a musician from Utah Symphony, I did not get to know Carmen. But I can't help myself from feeling very sad by the shocking news. Hope Carmen find peace and her family be comforted by the sweet memories of a wonderful person.
Russell, Grace Laffoon
10/04/2010
Larry and Linda
we are very sorry to hear about Carmen.
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharee & Jack Hoegerl
10/04/2010
Linda, Larry and Jason,
Though Jack and I didn't have the opportunity to meet Carmen, I always looked forward to the updates Larry shared re: her endeavors in costuming. I read and so enjoyed yesterday the step by step process she used to make the Nana dog costume. It truly came to life under her skilled hands.
Please know that we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May the good memories of times spent together bring a smile and help ease your grief.
Jack and Sharee
Becky Mitchell
10/04/2010
Dear Linda and Larry,
I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss Carmen. One of my fondest memories of her is watching her last summer, sitting patiently with my daughter Dana, teaching her how to knit.
I want you to know how much I admired her, loved her brilliant smile and how much fun we had when we were together.
We love her and miss her. Please know that you're in our thoughts.
Love, Becky Mitchell and Family
Joanne Shiebler
10/04/2010
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Killam,
I did not know your beautiful daughter personally but knew of the wonderful contributions she made to the Utah Opera. As a member of the board of directors of US/UO since 1999 I have come to know the work of the opera costume show and how much Carmen contributed to the department.
My husband and I extent our most sincere symphathy to you and your family.
With sincere condolences,
Bill and Joanne Shiebler
Suzanne Martin
10/04/2010
I have only known Carmen since February when I began working at the Utah Opera & Symphony but I felt a great spirit from her. She always had a smile on and was a great ping pong player! My condolences to her family as they make sense of all of this. She will always be loved by us.
Vicky Crowe
10/04/2010
To Carmen's family and friends,
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Carmen. I hope you will find some comfort by reflecting on your precious memories of her.
I worked in the Theatre Department at IU while Carmen was here. She was so sweet and a little shy but Carmen always had a smile for you. She will be missed by everyone here. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved Carmen.
sandy mortale
10/04/2010
Hi Larry, Linda and Jason,
I can tell by Carmen's smile she radiated sunshine and peace around everyone....I would have like to have known her, but I feel like I knew her a little by our conversations at school......
I don't know personally what it is like to lose a daughter, I can only go with what my father said when he lost his "baby", my sister Jenice....he said "there will never be anyone like her, and I am so proud to be her father"...
you are all in my hearts and prayers.....I am looking forward to seeing you here at school.....peace and comfort to you all!
sandy mortale
Diana Doud Perin
10/04/2010
Larry and Linda I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. She must have been a treasure if she was as nice as you two. Your old school chum, Diana Doud.
Jennifer Abbott
10/04/2010
Carmen was a beautiful, generous, great person who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Kristen Held
10/03/2010
To Carmen's family,
Carmen and I became friends at IU when we were both grad students in the costume design program. I have so many great memories of Carmen. The day she brought Mr. Tob home, going to the movies to watch some werewolf movie she couldnt wait to see, eating at Lennie's, talking about Jane Austen, that funky haircut she got with the long wispy bits in front, the day I accidentally sprayed Dr. Pepper all over the ceiling in the "accessorizing room," stirring giant vats of steaming fabric in the dye room, building angel wings for The Laramie Project, coming up with crazy ideas for Fred's classes, watching over Linda's brand new baby. I remember the way her jeans were always scuffed at the heel because they were always too long, the way she curled up on her stool when she sewed and the way she blushed. Oh, could she blush! She had no idea how talented she was. I loved looking at her design renderings and the things she drew that existed only in her imagination. She was funny and quirky and she loved to send emails with the subject line: "hehehe." You never knew what you were going to get, but it was always something only Carmen would think of to send you. She was my friend, always ready to help, to listen, to laugh, and she has left an indelible imprint on my heart. Please know that you are in my thoughts and may there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
Tina Jensen
10/03/2010
Linda and Family,
The last few days I have been reflecting on all of our conversations about our kids - the ups and downs, the laughter and the tears. I really cherish those chats we have had over the years. I know how much you love both of your kids. Carmen brought much joy to your life. I know her passion and creativity constantly amazed you! These beautiful memories will bring you much comfort in the coming months and years. Continue to hold her close to your heart. Please know that I am here if you need a shoulder or a hand. You are in my heart. With love, Tina