April 20, 1953 – July 19, 2021
Dianne M. Carlill ’78-B was born April 20, 1953, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the eighth child of Joseph and Dorothy Scheresky. She died July 19, 2021, at her home in Lynnwood, Washington.
Dr. Carlill graduated from Walla Walla College in 1975 and then from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1978. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the St. Louis University Hospital in 1983 and became a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology on Dec. 13, 1985.
Dr. Carlill first practiced in Vancouver, Washington, before joining the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Phoenix, Arizona. After her time in the IHS, she relocated to Portland, Oregon, for several years. In 1991, she joined the Group Health Cooperative in Redmond, Washington, where she served as the department chairperson for many years. Later in life she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where she practiced in the Tanana Valley Clinic until ill health forced her into retirement.
Dr. Carlill was diagnosed with primary amyloidosis in August 2007 and began a brave 14-year battle that included two stem cell transplants, years of suffering from graft-versus-host disease, and finally succumbing to vascular dementia.
Dr. Carlill had a diverse set of interests outside of her medical practice. She loved to garden and care for animals, including her herd of alpacas. She was an avid outdoor enthusiast, photographer, and pilot. She is survived by her spouse of nearly 48 years, Michelle Carlill ’80-B.