Carol Lenore Lontine

Born March 4, 1941, in Arlington, Virginia, Carol spent her early years there before moving with her parents, Orpha and Leonard Johnson, and her younger sister, Karen, to Denver, Colorado, where she built her life and family.

Carol had a deep love for the outdoors and for animals. After visiting Machu Picchu in Peru in 1985, she fell in love with llamas and later raised sixteen of them. She delighted in hiking and backpacking with her llamas in the Colorado mountains, blending her love of nature with adventure.

Among her llamas, Pisco held a special place in her heart. Carol often brought him to nursing homes to visit residents, spreading comfort and smiles. During the Christmas season, Pisco even played the role of a camel in local living nativity scenes. One of Carol’s proudest accomplishments was a solo hike to the summit of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest “fourteener,” accompanied only by Pisco and another llama, Bandit — a testament to her independent spirit and love of the mountains.

Carol will be remembered for her adventurous nature, her compassion for others, and the joy she found in sharing her passions with the community.

Survivors:

• Son: Douglas Harding

• Sister: Karen Knuckey

• Brother-in-law: Gordon Knuckey

Preceded in death by:

• Daughter: Sherry Harding (1978)

• Parents: Orpha and Leonard Johnson

Carol’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Those who knew her like to imagine she has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge, joyfully reunited with all the animals she loved so deeply — a reunion that is surely equal parts joyful and chaotic.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you use that money to enjoy a meal of enchiladas and margaritas in her honor.

Memorial service details will be shared by the family at a later time.