Carolyn passed away after a 10 yearlong gallant battle against cancer.  In her fight she was the strong, loyal, gentle, caring person that she had been her entire life.

Born in San Diego California, Carolyn grew up in Bozeman Montana until her family moved to Salem, Oregon in the early 1960s.  She graduated from South High in Salem in 1965.  Carolyn later went on to earn computer science and accounting degrees.

Family:  Carolyn is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Thomas “Tom” Harris of N.W. Salem, their daughter Michelle Huntley Gause (Seattle), son in law Gary and 3 ½ year old grandson, Max Alexander Gause (the joy of Carolyn’s most recent years).

Her parents, John & Faye Dykstra of Salem, sister Margie Dykstra of Independence, brother Michael Dykstra of Blaine Washington as well as her cherished long time best friend Judith Jolly of Surprise Arizona also survive Carolyn.  In addition, she has many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews in Oregon, Montana, Michigan and Nevada.

Throughout her life, Carolyn had always been strongly dedicated and committed to her family with love, leadership and support.  She also committed her life to community support.  Her community service direction was codified 10 years ago with the onset of her cancer.  Since then she has given unselfishly to a number of high quality organizations, including the Wellness Community in both Northern and Southern California, Hospice and Torrance Memorial Hospital, where she first volunteered with patients and hospital staff.  While still volunteering in the hospital, she took on a board position and went on to lead this very large volunteer organization as Vice President and then President.  She was also very active in Healing Odyssey whose existence is specifically focused on helping “cancer fighters” face the fears of cancer.  Carolyn first attended Healing Odyssey as a retreat participant, then becoming a retreat leader, eventually becoming a Board Director and retreat organizer.  Healing Odyssey meant so much to Carolyn, not only because of the outstanding support they provide to others, but also the wonderful survivors and inspirational friends she made there.  Here in Salem, Carolyn worked with the key individuals responsible in creating Mid-Valley Cancer Care Community, where she was able to share and implement many of her ideas and experiences.  Her contribution greatly helped this organization move forward to become a reality; ready to help others and their families fight this disease.  Carolyn was actively participating in this local organization until the end.  Carolyn also participated in many of the Revlon Walk/Runs as well as the Susan Komen events that support Cancer research.  She was also active and the secretary of the Lucky Mute dog club with her sister.

As illustrated above, Carolyn touched many people throughout her life, many of whom she never met.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Carolyn’s Doctor, Dr. W.C “Bud” Pierce and his entire staff at Hematology Oncology of Salem for their combined caring, help and service during this most difficult battle.

Donations:  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that donations be made to: “Carolyn Harris Memorial Fund” at the Mid-Valley Cancer Care Community at 880 Winter Street N E, Salem, Oregon 97301.

This non-profit organizations goal, which operates strictly on donations, is to provide support through individual and group counseling, education, reference referral and a source for families and the community for issues related to this disease.

Carolyn was very active and committed to this quality fledgling organization so your help would be greatly appreciated.  All donations to this non-profit family cancer care and support center will be utilized in Carolyn’s name to help others with this difficult disease while assisting their families and loved ones. 

Carolyn has always been a tremendous role model and driving force to anyone who came in contact with her.  Because of Carolyn’s “I can make it (anything) happen” spirit, her drive, unselfishness, unconditional love and support, all throughout her life, she was able to turn dreams into action that touched so many.  The loss by our family and loved ones is indescribable as she will be so sorely missed.

Memorial:  There will be a  “Celebration of Life” service for Carolyn on Saturday December 2, at 11:00 AM at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial St. SE, Salem, Oregon (phone 503-364-2257).