In Memoriam: Carlene “Chiquita” Schellinger Myers

Chiquita (left) at the 2023 Alumni Reunion

With sorrow for the loss of a unique, sweet soul, we share the news that our beloved Chiquita passed away on June 10, 2025 at the age of 74.  In the past decade, she had battled breast cancer, a heart transplant, kidney failure, dialysis, COVID and finally pancreatic cancer. She suffered more than her fair share of illness, yet dealt with it all with her typical grace and good spirit. She is remembered fondly by Mohawkers as the woman who always smiled, was in constant good humor and was kind and friendly to all.

Chiquita first came to camp at age 10, stayed many years, took a couple years off then returned in her mid 20s as the Mugwump Unit Leader. She was nervous about being the “old” woman at Camp, yet she immediately became a favorite. Her popularity was boosted by having her pet duck, Jedidiah, join the Camp community for the summer, and by regular visits from her dog, Dingo. Chiquita was known to be able to start a campfire in the rain, which helped stave off hunger on Wednesdays when the kitchen crew took their day off.

Chiquita (center front, black swimsuit) with the 1981 Waterfront Staff

Chiquita reportedly earned her name when another staffer spied her dancing while mopping a floor and called her “such a Chiquita Banana,” after a popular TV ad of the time.

Chiquita with Dingo

We remember Chiquita as having a wide smile, happy eyes, and a kind, gentle, free spirit. She loved Mohawk and came to each recent reunion without a single note of sadness or bitterness for her recent medical trials—nothing but optimism and love. And that love was returned by all who knew her.

Chiquita leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Glenn Myers, two children, four grandchildren, and fellow Mohawkers: her brother Ricky and sister Giselle.  We are certain she is cheering up the folks in heaven right now.