Carolyn Fay Graf

Carolyn was born August 10, 1947 in Nobles County Minnesota, the daughter of Gaylord Graf and Dorothy Graf. She attended elementary and intermediate school in Brewster, and graduated from Brewster High School with the class of 1965. After high school Carolyn studied at Minnesota State University Mankato, and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Psychology. She moved to Portland Oregon and attended Portland State University, earning her Masters in Social Work.

In her early years, Carolyn worked at local Minnesota farms (bean walking and de-tassling corn), as a bowling alley pin setter, malt mixer at Mable’s Cafe, lifeguard, and bartender. After graduation, she became a social worker for the State of Oregon, eventually being promoted to supervisor, branch manager, and then Manager of Child Welfare until her retirement in 2010. Even after retiring, Carolyn continued as a contract employee of the state, and board member of the Oregon Foster Parents Association to support the causes she was most passionate about: helping children, civil rights and social action, health and human rights, poverty alleviation, and social services.

Carolyn was an ardent supporter of Habitat For Humanity, and volunteered numerous hours building houses for those in need. Through Habitat, she learned many construction skills, including: framing, siding, flooring, roofing, hanging doors & windows, and painting. From an early age, she participated regularly with the Daughters of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Volunteering at the TAC rummage sale in Worthington, MN. was one of her favorite volunteer activities. Since the early 1980’s, Carolyn taught Sunday School at various Lutheran Churches. Always the family historian, she took a great interest in mapping out her family tree. Her favorite leisure activities were: swimming, sewing, gardening, picnics, and spending time with family.

Carolyn is survived by her husband (Don), two sons (Edward and Joseph), two sisters (Luana and Deanna), a nephew (Tony), and niece (Arika). She was preceded in death by her beloved mother (Dorothy Graf), father (Gaylord Graf), and two sisters (Janine and Nadine).

A memorial will be held at 1:30PM on June 27th 2025 at Benson Funeral Home in Worthington Minnesota, followed by a burial service at Summit Lake Cemetery presided over by Reverend Jeanette McCormick. A celebration of life in Oregon is being planned for summer 2025.