Carolyn Inez Dam Houde passed away peacefully from natural causes on April 16, 2026 at the age of 93.
How can a life so rich and productive be distilled down to a few lines in a newspaper death notice?
“Do not stand at my grave and weep… I am not there. I do not sleep.”
Born in Berkeley, California on March 5, 1933, Carolyn grew up during WWII. Traveling cross-country with her mother, Marjorie Dam, and brother Lane, they followed her father Cyrus as he was transferred from one military post to another before shipping off to the European Theater.
After graduating from Lincoln High School in San Francisco in 1951, she enrolled Humboldt State College. By 1952, she had met and married Walter Houde, settling into her role as wife and mother of Judy, John, Jeanne, Marianne and Lorraine. Five kids who would go on to provide her with seven grandchildren and then seven great-grandkids.
“I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.”
While raising her children and with her husband, and putting them through four years of college, Carolyn herself went back to school in 1973 and earned her AA in nursing from Lane Community College, becoming a Registered Nurse. She had achieved her lifelong ambition. In 1984, she graduated cum laude from Linfield College with a BA in Liberal Studies, continuing a long and distinguished career that included office nurse for Dr. Bob Moffitt in Springfield, and then director of nursing services at Creswell Care Center.
“I am the sunlight on ripened grain.”
I am the gentle autumn rain.
Retirement was not a time to rest, however, and Carolyn continued to be active in the Springfield community. She was president of the Springfield Rotary in 2000-01 and worked on their bloodmobile, polio fundraiser, and Duck race. For years, she maintained the exhibits in the Springfield Library display cases. Additionally, she served on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and was assistant advisor for Medical Explorers for six years.
“When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.”
She even co-authored a delightful book, “The Pleasure of Your Company,” featuring bridal fashions through the years. To the enjoyment and inspiration of many, she put on shows about those wedding dresses at the Springfield Museum, Shelton McMurphy House, City Hall and many senior and assisted living centers.
“Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.”
She received awards and recognitions for 425 Volkssport events and completing the 5K distance as well as a Rotary Assembly Award. She loved biking locally and abroad and was passionate about walking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing and just plain learning. When asked to describe her life in one word she replied, “Fun.”
But can a life so rich and productive be distilled down to a single word? Rest in peace, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Student, Nurse, Advocate, Authority, Supporter, Mentor, Friend, Mom.
“Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.”
(Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye)
