Carolyn Litowich

Carolyn Litowich, born July 20, 1929, in Houston, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the age of 96. She was the daughter of Abe and Corinne Keller Litowich. Her father Abe, originally from Lithuania, settled in Houston and worked as a cotton broker, making it his home for seventy-one years. Her mother Corinne was a member of a pioneer family that settled in Houston in the early 1850's. Carolyn's great grandfather, Theodore Keller, served at the Siege of Vicksburg. Carolyn graduated from San Jacinto High School at the age of 15 and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Houston, majoring in fine arts and photography at the age of 19. Carolyn served as Adult Advisor to the Henry Barnston Chapter of B'nai B'rith Girls for eight years. She enjoyed watching 'her girls' grow up and become responsible members of the community. A life-long Democrat, she was a tireless worker for early HISD Board, Houston Council on Human Relations, Citizens for Good Schools and the Committee for Better Local Government. She made significant contributions advancing civil rights. From 1958-1963, Carolyn was the District Director for the Houston and Harris County Girl Scouts (San Jacinto Girl Scouts). She was the first director of Camp Casa Mare. In late 1963, Carolyn started as the program director at the Cora Root Peden Branch of the YWCA of Houston. Under Mary Elizabeth Griffiths, their efforts resulted in achieving the most diverse membership of any branch in Houston. Carolyn later became the branch executive. In total, she served for 32 years before her retirement. During her tenure, she was selected as one of twenty-five women representing the YWCA on a travel study around the world. Recognized as staff photographer for numerous YWCA National Conventions, National Women's Political Caucus, General Convention of the Episcopal Church and NOW, her photographs have been published in Newsweek, Saturday Evening Post, Civil Rights Digest and can be seen on display in the Smithsonian. Carolyn also volunteered with Dress for Success, helping women select professional, interview-appropriate attire. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved sister, Jacqueline Hurwitz. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Alan Hurwitz MD (Drew Tucker MD), Karen Hurwitz, Raye Hurwitz MD, and Ben Hurwitz (Lillie), and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her devoted friend, Linda Rabinowitz, with whom she shared an almost 70-year friendship of unconditional love and unwavering support. The family extends sincere gratitude to Carolyn’s caregivers, Mariela De Guzman, Maryann Rodriguez, Esther Samuels, Irma Sanchez, Nicole Sanchez and Lindonna Smith for their compassionate attentive care with loving hearts and gentle hands. And special thanks to her care manager, Charmaine Edwards, with whom she shared a special bond. She ensured Carolyn's last days were filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories. A graveside service will be held on Monday morning, June 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Beth Israel Cemetery on West Dallas, 1207 W. Dallas St., Houston, Texas 77019, with Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Kenneth Feibush officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Congregation Beth Israel Unrestricted Endowment at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 https://www.beth-israel.org/giving/tribute-donations/ or to a charity of your choice.

Carolyn Litowich

July 20, 1929 - May 26, 2026