Carolyn Marie (Lamoureux) Towers joined her beloved husband in heaven, reunited and once again dancing together as they so enjoyed during their 64 years of marriage. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, her warmth and nurturing spirit that knew immeasurable love, is already sorely missed.
Carolyn was born in Churdan on May 14, 1935, to her loving parents Rosella (Roper) and Jules Lamoureux. Her father Jules succumbed to cancer when she was only 9 years old and thus began her industrious nature to always help when and where she was needed.
The oldest of three children, she was bright, beautiful and adored by her brothers and many friends. She was always there for Gene and Denny, staying up late to make sure they finished their assignments and keeping them out of trouble with their teachers. She would join Denny after school to watch and dance along to American Bandstand, mastering the steps. They were even featured in a spotlight dance by a disc jockey during a celebration in the new gym at the high school. She was a cheerleader for four years, voted most beautiful in the senior class, graduated from Churdan High School and later attended Briar Cliff University.
On Feb. 4, 1954, she married her high school sweetheart and life-long dance partner, Duane “Riley” Towers in a small ceremony in San Diego where he was stationed with the Navy. Moving to California was a great adventure and there they welcomed the first of their eight children. Together, they moved their growing family back to Churdan where she was known throughout the county for her amazing cooking and baking, with cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies among our favorites. Even when pressed by a tight budget and busy schedule, she always managed to be impeccably dressed and enjoyed sewing for the family. She took great care in making her house a home, seeking out antiques and refinishing furniture. After the 4-H and farm chores were finished, the family would spend summer afternoons with a picnic and swimming at Spring Lake.
Carolyn was an engaged and long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as an officer and was dedicated to her Catholic faith. She demonstrated to us the joy in giving to others by delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the hospital, organizing prayer circles and even vacuuming the church if that’s what needed to be done.
She would go to any lengths to stay in touch with her family mastering Facebook, e-mail and text messaging so she could easily reach us. Grandma Carolyn was always excited to hear about our lives and encouraged us in whatever we pursued. She was there to take our picture at prom, stand beside us when we graduated high school and college, and when there was a wedding to celebrate, she was the last to leave the dance floor to be sure we could pay tribute to her with a sing-along to “Sweet Caroline”. Her love for her family knew no bounds. She made each of us feel special proving that our large family didn’t divide her attention, but only multiplied her adoration.
She was the strong, stoic yet sweet matriarch of our family and we will dearly miss her greeting us at the door on Oak Hill Drive with a hug, kiss and something to nourish our hearts and our bellies.
Carolyn Towers is lovingly survived by her children Dan Towers and Tim (Julie) Towers of Churdan, Catherine Towers of Covolo, CA, Teresa “Teri” and Dr. Patrick Harr, Maryville, MO, Michael “Mick” Towers of Adel, Tami (Joe) Nugent of Shawnee, KS, Joseph Towers of Kansas City, MO, and Sarah (Matt) Burnett of Ankeny; grandchildren Brian and Crystal Towers of Ankeny, Kristin and Joe Brookover of Urbandale, Justin and Diana Towers and Jenny and Will Nicholson of Jefferson, John and Libby Towers and Joseph Towers of Churdan, Nicholas and Mary Glasnapp of Dallas, TX, Traci and Mark Kennedy of West Des Moines, Eileen and Danny Splendore and Becky and Matt Halling of Perry, Erin and Megan Nugent of Shawnee, and Layla, Harrison and Greyson Burnett of Ankeny; great-grandchildren Taya, Vivian, Nathan, Natalie, Noah, Anna, Claudia, Claire, Hayden, Thomas, Blake, Scarlett, and Bartney; and brothers Gene Lamoureux of Holland, MI, and Dennis (Karen) Lamoureux of Greene.
She is preceded in death by her husband Duane Towers, parents, step-father Rex McCormick, daughter-in-law Sharon Towers, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sam and Anne Anderson; and nephews Kevin Towers, Kenny Lamoureux and Rick Anderson.
Mass of the Christian Burial was held April 30 at St Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan. Father John Gerald officiated. Music was provided by members of the Carey family, accompanied by Lois Last.
Casket bearers were her granddaughters Kirstin Brookover, Traci Kennedy, Eileen Splendore, Jenny Nicholson, Becky Halling, Erin Nugent, Megan Nugent and Layla Burnett.
The family was assisted by Brown Funeral Home of Churdan.
