Caryll Luke Cram

Born on 22nd May 1943 in Columbia Heights, MN, to Hjalmar and Dorothy Ruth (Ledwein) Luke, Caryll was an educator, counselor, public speaker, and beloved family member. She will be missed.

Caryll attended Saint Charles Borromeo grade school and St. Margaret's Academy in downtown Minneapolis, graduating in June 1961. She subsequently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Education and a Masters of Fine Arts and Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota. Following college, Caryll taught in all levels of education from Minnesota to California.

After obtaining a Masters in psychology, counseling, and guidance at the University of Northern Colorado, Caryll transitioned to counseling and began working at Ken Carl Junior High in Jefferson County Public Schools. It was there that she met Alan Bradley Cram in 1970; the two were married on 3rd April 1971 and made their family home in Littleton, CO. Caryll continued to provide counseling services in public and private settings including City National Bank, Lorretto Heights Junior College, and Snelling & Snelling Employment Agency.

Caryll found new passion in the position of Director of Career Development and Women’s Services at Red Rocks Community College. Later, she would go on to become the Executive Director of Colorado Equity for CCCOES where she was instrumental in helping underserved populations find a new way into education. Caryll’s experience led her to becoming an industry educator, serving for ten years as a professional public speaker for business, industry, and governmental agencies including colleges throughout Colorado. Most recently, in 2001, she founded Open Heart to Open Heart to provide counseling services throughout Colorado.

Friends and family knew Caryll for her curiosity and creativity as well as her zest for living the life of which she always dreamed. She was loved for her willingness to share ideas and adventures that took her out on the dance floor, traveling, and into new venues. Caryll brought positivity to those around her and loved to share her enthusiasm for the world — with a passion that encouraged others to follow their hearts. Cuddle Cat Hooligan brought her joy, companionship, and entertainment.

Caryll held a deep love for her family and took immense pleasure in celebrating their successes with them. She was cherished as a good-natured blessing to those with whom she spent time. She is survived by her husband Alan Bradley Cram of Ft. Collins, CO; by her sister Marian Dolores Luke of Minneapolis, MN; by daughters Alanna and Wendy; their husbands Alan Prater and Isaac Hepworth respectively and by four grandchildren Bradley, Caylee, Lux, and Cecilia. She’ll be missed in addition by a nephew and nieces: Marri (Ted) Collom, David (Tammy) Collom, Shari (Mark) Wilson, Joy Peeraer; and several grand- and great-grand- nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, 21st September at 4:00pm with a reception to follow at the Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W Drake in Ft. Collins, CO 80526. Donations in Caryll's memory can be made to Seniors Helping Seniors or the Larimer County Humane Society.