1958 to 2025
Carol Shure passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, in Boulder, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, close family and beloved friends of decades. Born in Highland Park, Illinois, on April 12, 1958, she lived a vibrant and principled life that deeply influenced communities who loved her in Colorado, California and Oregon.
She leaves behind a legacy as a wise and loving ancestor, educator, healer, caretaker and entrepreneur — a woman of fierce independence and conviction who inspired those around her to live in alignment with their own values and instincts. With her community of dear friends and family, she founded schools and businesses, bringing organic foods, alternative education and integrative healing modalities to her circles decades before they entered the mainstream. Her unshakeable frame of independence, self-belief and loyalty to her loved ones inspired those close to her and remain alive in all who honor her legacy.
Carol’s devotion to her children and grandchildren was boundless. She connected with them effortlessly, always on their level, lighting up their worlds with imaginative play and tireless patience for her little people and their big feelings. The eclectic inventory of gifts, local art, toys and collectibles at her Carbondale storefront, the Artists Collective, reflected her vast imaginative and empathic capacity — and fueled its success. Later in life, she brought that same presence and understanding to her work as a personal assistant, caregiver and facilitator of family constellation healing, gifts her clients found invaluable. Her influence will continue to resonate with the communities, families and individuals she touched, extending far beyond her mortal life.
Carol faced her illness and final days with characteristic bravery, imagination, independence and love that inspired all who witnessed them. Her good humor and empathy shone through as she laughed about her “final thisses or thats” and reassured her family with gratitude for the synchronicities and small miracles that marked her last weeks. She maintained her agency, independence and spirit of joy to her very last breath.
She is survived by her three children, Tyler, Halle and Ivy; her grandchildren, Anya, Lola, Lumi, Arlo and Miles; her brother, Ed, and sister-in-law, Sophie; and her mother, Charlotte. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit endures in the beautiful, unfolding lives she continues to shape.