In Memoriam

Carol Quinto
AKA Jeanne Carmichael
AKA Carol Michaels

1997 Laurel Wreath Award Winner
The Duke Who Came To Visit, Zebra Regency

Regency Writer and RWA member, Carol Quinto died on March 26,1998 after a long and brave battle with cancer. Carol's husband, Michael, died in January 1998, also of cancer. Carol was the author of 16 Regency Romances for Zebra, Harlequin, and Fawcett under her own name and her pen names, Jeanne Carmichael and Carol Michaels. Carol's most recent book is the novella "The Virtues of Patience" in the Zebra anthology For Mother with Love, which is currently on the shelves, one of her most charming and heart-warming contributions to the genre.

After recovering from her first bout with cancer in 1993, Carol founded the Volusia County Romance Writers. Under her leadership as our first president, she conceived of the Laurel Wreath Award for published authors, one of the few contests which includes a category dedicated exclusively to Regencies.

Carol loved writers and writing. Over the years, she served as mentor to many authors, inspiring them through her classes, her critiques, and her always supportive and optimistic friendship. She was a champion of the Regency genre. Even at her most ill she was always eager to hear news of a fellow writer's signing a new contract or making the best-seller list. She was as thrilled as if the successes were her own and, as anyone who knew Carol realizes, she always put others before herself.

Carol was a devoted wife, loving daughter and sister, loyal and supportive friend. She died at home in the gentle care of family and friends. Those of us who knew and loved Carol will remember her for her charming and prize-winning Regencies, filled with lively humor and delightful romance. But, even more, we will cherish the clear, glowing light of her spirit, never stronger than when she faced this last difficult part of her life. During the years that Carol and Mike suffered from cancer, they never let the disease conquer them. They faced each day with optimism and hope. They never gave into despair, but filled each moment with joy and anticipation. They taught us how to be better, finer people. Good-bye, Carol, our dear friend. We'll miss you.

Memorial for a Friend
(abridged from the original)
by Ruth Owen

Around the turn of the century there was a country doctor who worked in a poor farming community in Wisconsin. He worked out of a small office aboveva feed store, with a sign near the stairway that read simply, 'Dr. Smith, Upstairs'.

For years he traveled the county tending the sick and dying, for no reward except the friendship of his patients. He was loved and revered by many, but his fortune was small. Eventually the doctor passed away. The people who loved him wanted to give him a memorial, but they could not even afford to buy a headstone. In the end, they took the old placard from his office and laid it on his grave. 'Dr. Smith, Upstairs'.

Yesterday a great lady passed away. In the eyes of the world she died a poor woman, but in the eyes of God she died rich beyond measure. Her generosity, wisdom, graciousness and kindness touched the lives of hundreds of people, and I feel privileged beyond words to have been able to call her my friend.

Like the doctor's patients, we cannot purchase her a fitting memorial. But in our hearts we carry the stamp of her gentle, caring spirit. Part of her still lives in every line we write and every word we speak. She challenged us all to be the best writers--and the best people--that we could be. As long as we draw breath she will never be forgotten.

Like the doctor, she looked for no reward except the friendship of her colleagues. I can think of no better words to pay tribute to her than to simply say: 'Carol Quinto, Upstairs'.

Book List

Writing as Carol Quinto

For Mother, With Love-1998

Sister of the Bride-1997

A Valentine Bouquet-1997

The Duke Who Came To Visit-1996

Writing as Jeanne Carmichael

An Inconvenient Marriage-1997

Forever Yours-1996

Miss Spencer's Dilemma-1996

A Breath of Scandal-1995

Lady Scoundrel-1995

Lord of the Manor-1994

Madcap Johnny-1993

A Match Made in Heaven-1993

A Moment of Madness-1992

Quest for Vengeance-1992

A Touch of Blackmail-1991

Writing as Carol Michaels

Charade of Hearts-1992

2007 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Dee Gatrell

2006 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Janet Shirah

2005 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Carla Mueller

2004 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Irene Estep

2003 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Olive Pollak

2002 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Gloria Ferguson

2000 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Marsha Garcia

1998 CAROL QUINTO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Janet Schrader