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
Connie Toillion
10/03/2010
Linda and Family,
Linda, I heard so many stories about Carmen in the teacher's lounge at Jackson from the time she was a little girl until she was a young woman interviewing for jobs. I felt like I personally knew her and through those stories I truly can't imagine how much she will be missed. My thoughts are going to be with you through the coming months. I can only hope those positive memories you shared with me and others comfort you and your family. If you ever need to just talk, or anything at all, I'm here.
Sincerely,
Connie
Sue Crook
10/03/2010
Linda, Larry & Jay, you are in our thoughts and prayers through this time of sorrow. Carmen was always loved and cared for. Her successes are the result of both your support and love, as well as her determination and ability. She is now a shining star and her presence will always live in your hearts. We are here for you in any way we can support you. Much love to you and your family. Sue Crook
Tracey Stevens
10/03/2010
Larry, Linda, and Jay,
I am thinking of you during this terrible time. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time as you all begin to try to heal. Please know that all of your friends are here to support and love you through all of this. Love to you and your family. Tracey Stevens
Katherine Garlick
10/03/2010
Larry, Linda and Jason, let me express my deepest sympathies for your loss. I first met Carmen at IU, where she proved to be not only a fellow student, but also a mentor and friend. She was always ready with a sympathetic ear and a subtle sense of humor, able to commiserate with frustrations and celebrate achievements. Though quiet at first, she always knew how to throw in a playful jibe when you least expected it. Her incredible talent and dedication to the work she loved was only matched by how much she cared for her friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
David Grindle
10/03/2010
I am so so sorry for the loss we are all feeling, but feel deeply for you in your grief. I taught Stage Management at Indiana and got to know Carmen when she was in school. I was also one of the people who wrote recommendations for her to work at the opera company.
Carmen was a delightful person and you should know that her smile is forever impressed upon my memory.
David Grindle
Executive Director
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Kendra Kress
10/03/2010
Linda,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
I want you to know that I am here for you no matter what.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Linda Pisano
10/03/2010
To Linda and to Carmen's entire family,
Carmen was a gifted, spirited and lovely young woman. As a young costume designer she had an endless wealth of talent which made meeting with her to look at her designs a joy. She could see so much beauty in the world and this was not just in the work I saw during her studies here at Indiana University but in her association with my family and with my children. She was so caring and fun-loving with my young sons. I will miss her clever emails and in reflecting these past two days upon her time with us I see how much I have missed our daily conversations and her wonderful, blushing laugh.
I first met Carmen as a young student at Iowa State and was impressed not only by her talent but also her sweet and quirky humor. Imagine how delighted I was that she would arrive for her graduate training at IU only a year after I arrived to teach.
I was blessed to know her not only as a student but also as a friend. She will be deeply missed by so many and my heart and prayers go out to you at this time. My hope is that you will find peace knowing she is at peace and that one day you may all be together again. Please let me know if there is anything I can do at this time.
All my thoughts and prayers, Linda Pisano and family (Paul, Massimo & Liam Pisano)