We mourn the loss of Carole Jean Quiat Leight, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, who passed peacefully from this life at home on Thursday, May 20, 2021, having lived a rich and adventurous life. She was a native of Colorado, a devoted democrat and a lover of the Arts. Born in Denver, Carole attended East High School. Later she graduated with a history degree from Stanford University before marrying Dr. Harold Leight. They enjoyed many social and outdoor activities together, including tennis, traveling, bicycling and skiing. When her children and grandchildren were young, she loved to take them to the Denver Zoo, Broncos and Rockies games. Once her children were grown, Carole pursued her love of global travel from Central City to Bejing. She had a passion for social activism that was shaped by her father, Ira Quiat, a state senator who fought the influence of the KKK in early Denver. Carole was a strong advocate for civil and equal rights even taking her young children with her on marches in the mid-60s. An active democrat, she volunteered and campaigned for local and national Democratic candidates well into her 70's. In addition to this she held many leadership positions in the National Council of Jewish Women, the Denver Tennis Club and other similar organizations. Carole's inquiring mind and caring attitude came from her mother, Esther Quiat. Mother and daughter shared a love of symphonies and opera which lasted throughout her life. She was known to travel to see performances in Sante Fe and San Francisco as well as at home. On Saturday mornings she often listened to the New York Metropolitan Opera on Colorado Public Radio. Her love of the outdoors took Carole many places. She had the pleasure of climbing a few of Colorado's Fourteeners during her lifetime. Her love of bicycling lead to Carole and some friends from the Over-The-Hill-Gang Ski Club to ride in the Tour of Minnesota, calling themselves the Butt Sisters. She also enjoyed taking classes on history, politics and art in her free time. Finally her life would not have been complete without being surrounded by apricot-colored standard poodles. Some of her beloved poodles were champions in the dog world as well as her heart. She was a generous and a-larger-than-life presence who will be deeply missed by her children Marjory Leight and Charles Leight (Kimberly Leight), grandchildren Katherine Leight (Kyle Moelker), Gregory Leight (Julia Leight), David Leight, Steven Leight, and Emily Leight, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved dog, George. Carole was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Harold Leight, parents Ira and Esther Quiat, and her brothers Marshall and Gerald Quiat. No services will be held. The family asks in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made in Carole's name to any of the following charitable organizations; Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting, Opera Colorado, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra or Denver Hospice.
Published by Denver Post from May 30 to Jun. 6, 2021.
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