Carolee Gusick

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother and dear friend Carolee Cain Gusick. Carolee past away peacefully with family and friends by her side, on November 10th 2017, after a difficult battle with ALS. Though this disease took from her, who she was physically, it failed to strip away her beautiful nature and courageous spirit.

When searching for a source of strength, we can look to Carolee and remember the eloquence and courage she portrayed when confronting her new challenges. Firm in her convictions to stay positive and happy, she taught so much by saying so little. She believed in keeping on the move refusing to let any of life’s hurdles hinder her free spirit.

Frequent travels to her beloved Sayulita, Mexico, where she was deeply ingrained in its eclectic community, reenergized her and gave her an amazing perspective on life. This wonderful place that had more become her home in the past few years, was often a gathering for family and friends. Often tired from a day of travels we would arrive at Casa De Mombo only to be welcomed by her bright smile and “sunny” disposition, tanned and wearing a colorful para and sandals. We knew in an instant that all was still well with her and the complexities of her condition had no place here.

She was inclusive to everyone and heck of a lot of fun. When not in Mexico she could be found amongst the community of Dillon where she came to know an amazing group of friends with whom she frequently skied and enjoyed so many exciting activities. She spoke so highly of her friends there.

There were also so many visits to see her kids, all from whom she is survived, Heidi and John in Redondo Beach, Teddy and Spring and Nick in Longmont and Andy and Beth and Benji in Basalt. She so loved her family, though none more than Benji and Nick her two grandsons. They were left never wanting for more. “Mombo” showered them with movies, sweets, games and so many fun holidays, surprises and good times.

Carolee also cherished her relationship with her sister Barb. Their bond was inseparable from early on. So many adventures they did share. Carolee spoke fondly of their friendship while growing up and the fun they had in places like Mexico and Laughlin. Together they were a riot often infectiously howling about something, anything and before you knew it everyone seemed to join in.

Carolee was born in Orange, California and raised in Long Beach by her loving and nurturing parents Morris and Charolette Cain who preceded her in death. Upon finishing high school she met the love of her life Joseph Francis “Skip” Gusick also preceding her in death. Together they moved to Lake Tahoe where they raised their three children and embarked on an amazing journey. For several years Carolee called Squaw Valley home. She cherished this majestic valley. Learning to ski, and immersing themselves in a community of like minded friends was always a dream of theirs and it did not disappoint. Squaw Valley and its people always held a special place in Carolee’s heart. As we kids grew, that itch to explore further stretches of the world became too much not to take that leap.

That giant leap took her to Italy and then Germany and so many other exciting places. Joined by her family she instantly met friends and became one within the communities. So many amazing and interesting people she did meet. Many shared with her frequent travels to places all over Europe where they would ski, eat and drink heartily and of course, shop. A quintessential shopping queen, nary was a bargain past up. She would saunter through street markets, festivals and out of the way shops with the same fervor and energy of a child alone for the first time amongst a bevy of treats. Oh how they loved her company and she, theirs.

After a brief time in San Diego she found herself in Colorado where she and Skip embraced the lifestyle and settled in with a sense of home from the beginning. Colorado Springs briefly, then after the passing of her best friend and husband, Skip, she moved on to Denver. There she found success in the real estate and design business. This profession provided her financial stability, but more importantly fulfilled her primary goal of having flexibility to visit the mountains, travel and spend time with family. She shared with us, walks through the park, lazy mornings over coffee and exploration of the cities’ many treasures. She was just in the middle of it all and couldn’t have been happier. She truly embraced Denver and her lovely Cheesman Park neighborhood.

Carolee Gusick will be greatly missed, but we can all be so grateful knowing that she left no stone unturned on her amazing journey through life. Blessed we are to have shared this life with such a beautiful and courageous woman.

Carolee is survived by her sister Barb, three children, Heidi, Andy and Teddy and her two grandchildren, Nick and Benji.

Please in leu of flowers we ask donations be sent in her name to:

ALS Association, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover Street, Ste 500,

Westminster, CO. 80021 or online at: alsaco.org