Carlagene Hawkins

Carlagene Hawkins, beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, daughter, mentor and friend, passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 65.

Born Carlagene Smith on March 23, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, to Margene and Richard Smith, Carla was the oldest of five children. Because of her family’s work in the oil industry, she spent much of her childhood traveling the world and living in Wyoming, Kuwait, Singapore, Colorado, Montana, California and ultimately graduating from high school in Louisiana.

Although Carla’s childhood involved moving from place to place, each summer brought her back to her parents’ hometown of Stratton, Colorado, where she looked forward to spending time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She loved cooking alongside her grandmother and enjoyed family camping trips where she learned to water ski. Large Fourth of July celebrations and lively family birthday gatherings brought everyone together and created memories and traditions that Carla carried with her throughout her life.

Growing up with the opportunity to travel also gave Carla a wonderful appreciation for the world around her. Her adventures took her to London, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Beirut, Cyprus and a cruise along the Rhine River. These experiences allowed her to encounter different cultures, places and people from an early age and became part of the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped her life. Through both her travels and her time with family, Carla developed an appreciation for the people and places that made life special.

She embodied the role of eldest daughter in every way – responsible, organized, devoted, thoughtful and always striving to do her best. She was endlessly patient with and always made time for her younger siblings. Carla was never too old to play dress-up, Barbies, board games, kickball or simply spend time with her younger sisters, Cidne, Caridee and Cherilyn. Carla and her brother, Jeff, were often mistaken for twins because of their blonde hair and the time they spent together growing up. They attended the same schools, enjoyed sports and navigated the family’s frequent moves side by side.

Carla graduated with a business degree from Colorado State University and settled in Fort Collins, where she met David “Dave” Hawkins, the love of her life and best friend for more than 42 years. They were married in 1985, and built a beautiful life together rooted in family, friendship, generosity, love and laughter. They enjoyed playing coed softball, card games, camping and waterskiing. Together, they made their house into Carla’s vision of a comfortable and inviting home. She was the architectural control committee and Dave was her contractor.

Carla’s greatest joy was always her family. She and Dave raised two children, Heather (Bryan Reider) and Russell, and Carla was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did. She celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams and was always there with unwavering support. From beloved Sunday dinners and watching movies late into the night to making birthdays and holidays magical, Carla filled her family’s life with the same love and traditions of her own childhood. She was the epitome of the best mother.

Being a Nana was one of the greatest honors of Carla’s life. Easton, Carlee, Camden and Saria were the lights of her life. She adored them deeply and treasured every opportunity to watch them grow and discover who they were becoming. She always had toys and crafts ready when they visited and spoiled them with goodies nearly every time she saw them.

In her youth, Carla was a dancer and softball player, and her love of athletics remained with her throughout her life. She was a devoted fan of college sports, especially softball and CSU football, which she loved to watch with Dave. She also found great joy in being on the sideline or in the audience to watch her grandchildren play sports and perform on stage.

She had a remarkable ability to make people feel known and cared for and brought so much beauty into the lives of everyone around her. Carla cooked the most delicious meals, hosted the best parties and gave the most thoughtful gifts. She loved to garden with Dave, read often, journal each day, buy fresh flowers for her home every week and loved a good shopping spree with her mom, sisters, daughter and grandchildren. Traveling with her family, especially to the lake or beach, provided countless memories and laughs.

Carla loved big. She had a heart of gold and was selfless, generous and deeply devoted to others in ways that most only aspire to be. She greeted everyone with her big, beautiful smile and somehow always remembered the smallest details about their lives. She made friends feel like family, and she adored her extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. Her hugs were legendary, and they will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to experience them.

Carla's professional life was rooted in real estate and serving the communities she helped manage. For more than 30 years she held an active real estate broker's license, and she earned her Certified Public Manager designation through the University of Colorado Denver. She was especially proud of co-founding H2 Advisors with her friend and colleague, Eric Harris. Those who worked alongside her, and the clients who relied on her, will remember not just her expertise but the genuine care she brought to every relationship.

Carla found deep meaning in personal development and in giving back to her community. She was an incredible mentor and friend to members of CREW Northern Colorado, a women’s real estate networking group that she helped found in the area, as well as a local Living in the Gap group. She gave generously to many local nonprofits, including the schools attended by her grandchildren and organizations supporting cancer-related causes. She was honored with awards for her dedication to the community by the United Way of Larimer County and the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

In recent months, Carla created a bucket list that included a family trip to Hawaii, attending the Women’s College Softball World Series and visiting the Obama Presidential Center. Although she did not get to experience those places herself, her family will travel to Hawaii this fall and spend that time together as the first of many celebrations of Carla’s beautiful life.

Carla leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through her family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives she touched. Her beautiful smile, generous spirit, thoughtful heart and enormous capacity to love will never be forgotten.

The family will host a celebration of Carla’s beautiful and generous life in early December. Details will be shared with family and friends.

Those wishing to honor Carla’s life and continue her legacy of generosity are encouraged to make a donation in her memory to Fort Collins Cooperative Preschool or Ramstrength.