Caroline H. Stanhope

Klaus, Julia, Eva and I hardly know where to start in commemorating amazing Caroline. Our hearts are so heavy even as we breathe relief that she no longer must suffer. Our gratitude to Nancy, Mary, Chris and Mike is profound. My own memories of Caroline begin in 1961 when I attended her wedding to Don as the only kid. My mother befriended Caroline and Caroline adopted me, sharing many Thanksgivings and dreaming up the most fabulous experiences in NYC, including the Cloisters, lots of Broadway, and dancing under strobe lights in Greenwich Village in 1969. We saw her often during the Smith summer school years when she started the journey to becoming an LICSW. With our many visits in Illinois, Germany, Switzerland, and Gainesville, Caroline remained a steady presence for me for over 60 years. She and Don accepted our girls as quasi godchildren, teaching them quilting, sugaring off, bee-keeping, cake-baking, truck driving (the best!), State Fair appreciation and always adventurous cooking. Over the years, we were lucky to meet many of her family members, and Caroline continually regaled us with their stories, making their highs and lows a part of our experience too. At Don's Celebration of Life, we finally met many of these beloved people, including the other lucky (former) children who were similarly given huge extra doses of joy by knowing Caroline and Don. So many familiar names from all the stories over the years, finally in one place out of love for this very special couple. Caroline, your love and guidance meant the world to me. May you find peace and reunite forever with Don.