Carolyn Brooke Damish

CAROLYN DAMISH

Larger than life, the purest of souls, and a solid gold friend forever

(A tribute by Steve Damish)

TIME FOR afternoon coffee, and in one quick smile Carolyn Damish told Morgan Norberg what they needed first: Fancy dresses, makeup, sashes, glitter and gloves and as much glam as they could muster.

After all, coffee with Carolyn, like most things, would be bigger, better, an event worth savoring and celebrating. If they were going out, even to the coffee shop, they would go in style.

Carolyn Damish style.

That meant the lifelong friends would dress and brush, dab and daub, add and accessorize until the outfits were perfect, and the make-up, spot on. Welcome to life with Carolyn, where moments became momentous, events became extraordinary, and the simple always had to stand out.

Carolyn insisted.

“She was larger than life,” said Morgan. “She lived and loved larger than life. Even going to get coffee, she wanted to dress like it was a movie premiere.”

It’s this energy, this glow, this gang-busters approach to life and love, and this passion for all things friends, family and fashion for which she’ll be remembered. Carolyn passed away unexpectedly May 22, two days before her 29th birthday, but not before she showed her world and everyone blessed to know her that life, like her grandfather Edward Damish always said, “Was meant to be lived!”

Carolyn lived, and loved, large – and in style. Her impact on so many was sometimes short but sharp, intense, meaningful, deep and lasting, from her childhood on Smith Avenue in Walpole with her parents Daniel Damish and Johanne Burlingame, to Westfield State University where she earned a degree in Communications; to one of her final jobs at Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, Conn., where she befriended, nurtured and nourished those afflicted with substance use disorder.

“She was the purest soul, the kindest, most empathetic person I’ve ever met,” said longtime friend Emilee Curtin, who went to high school with her. “There are some people who come into your life and leave marks so deep that even death cannot erase them. Carolyn was that person for us.”

Throughout her life she forged a legacy of everlasting empathy, understanding, triumph, passion, authenticity, and an ever-lasting love of friends and family. Carolyn listened without judgment, advocated without prejudice, hugged everyone like it was a strength test, advocated for the disadvantaged, and had the uncanny ability to know when her friends and loved ones needed her.

It was then, as her friends know best, that she would call or text, or more likely just show up and envelope them in her bear-hug embrace. A piggyback often followed.

“Carolyn’s presence brought comfort, happiness and love to so many people,” said Emilee Curtin. “Whether we were driving around after school, having get-togethers at ‘the sorority’ (her house in Wrentham), or going for McChickens, she made everything fun.”

Carolyn and dear friend Catherine ‘Catt’ Harvey have been inextricably connected and in contact since freshman year at Westfield State. “Carolyn was far more than a friend – she was my soul sister and a piece of me left this world when she did,” wrote Catt. “The bond we shared was something rare, deep, and unconditional. Instantly, when we met, we clicked. She made me laugh like no other person could. She saw only the good in me when I couldn’t see it in myself.”

Carolyn was as exuberant as she was inquisitive, as energetic as she was optimistic, and a force to be acknowledged, with a glowing and disarming smile that exuded warmth, calm and confidence. A powerhouse of a personality, she relished her pets, loved all animals, hugged every horse she met, coveted friendships, wanted to be the first woman president, and celebrated and protected her relationships with a passion few can match.

“When I grow up, I think I want to be the First Lady President,” she wrote when she was 8. “I could do some important things. I would like to help the forests by planting trees for animals. I would like to help stop wars. I would like to help animals stay safe, healthy, and happy. I could make laws that protect nature. These are some reasons why I want to be the First Lady President.”

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Inhibition never slowed her ambition. She spontaneously broke out in dance, or song, seemed to always be performing, relished time in front of a camera or microphone, loved giving friends piggy-back rides and embraced life for the simple yet wondrous moments it provided.

While on a childhood trip to New Hampshire with her mom Johanne and aunt Diane Culhane, she accepted the challenge of trying a kayak on the rough waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. Carolyn bobbed and wobbled at first, but kept paddling, soon drifting over a buoy line and scattering several swimmers. But after guiding herself free of the area and gaining control, she raised her paddle high and shouted: “I’ve got the power!” Swimmers and people on the dock applauded.

As a student at Walpole High School, Class of 2015, she had the task of reading the usually mundane morning announcements to a sleepy student body. But Carolyn, ever the entertainer, improvised, sneaking humor, jokes and even song into the segment. She became a hit for both students and teachers, often prompting applause – the morning school news soon became must-listen events.

“She had so many students laughing and actually paying attention. She became the school anchorman,” said Morgan Norberg, who Carolyn referred to as her “sister from another mister.”

Carolyn radiated in school plays, excelled at high school volleyball, read and wrote poetry, and painted and designed any space within reach, from fingernails to posters, to boards and boxes, to giant rock walls at a local abandoned quarry.

But she was a master at make-up, hairstyle and fashion, transcendent in her ability to design, balance, colorize and cover up. She made crazy colors seem cool, wild accessories seem wonderful, and was equally adept at utilizing chiffon or chambray, silk or synthetics, lace or leather.

After she and her friends had spent hours perfecting their looks and mastering their make-up, Carolyn would lead impromptu photo sessions, with her flowing golden locks and pouty, puckered lips often the center of attention.

“I’ll always remember our haphazard photo shoots and making pizza with your mom and walking around causing chaos and being silly kids,” wrote her friend Shelby Garrod on Facebook. “You are loved by so many. I know you’re up there making everyone laugh and being you."

Carolyn and Morgan would read and analyze poetry into the night. One of their favorites, E.E. Cummings’ poem “I Carry Your Heart With Me,” seemed to define their lives and friendship in how it explores the unbreakable bonds forged by true love.

They also shared a love for reading and had a mutual obsession with the books “The Great Gatsby” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which both examine the pursuit of the American dream and the loss of childhood innocence. The two would discuss the stories and how they mimicked their own lives sometimes until sunrise.

Carolyn had a passion for nature and all creatures, great and small, which began in childhood with her indomitable love for Jack, the family’s Irish setter and the only one who could match her energy. Jack often snuck from their Walpole home seeking treats across the street, but the family – and neighborhood – would know instantly where he was because Carolyn would run to the front lawn, sobbing and shouting and pointing in Jack’s direction. Carolyn was at Jack’s side when he passed away.

Some of her happiest days were spent last year at High Watch Recovery’s Joy Farm in Kent, Conn., where she showered love and support on every person, and animal, she met. When she left, she bought an incubator to raise chicks at her apartment, proudly sharing photos of the balls of fur nestled in her palms.

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Her passion for animals and the outdoors was only outdone by her love of music, fashion, art and friendship, all of which helped the perpetually moving Carolyn to endure the paralysis of the pandemic. Throughout Covid, she and her friends would often gather in small groups to celebrate togetherness, makeup and tattoos. They sang and savored all music, from the big bands of the ‘40s and ‘50s to the modern rock of Canadian indie band Arcade Fire. Carolyn would often lead the melodic chorus in the band’s hit “Wake Up.”

When she and Morgan Norberg came across a life-size and lifelike rubber green iguana at Morgan’s house, they knew what they had to do – share it with the Covid-closed world. In the next few months, they would pose “Quarantine Iguana” throughout the region, sharing photos of it at a cemetery, on a playground slide, or at the closed window of an ice cream shop. As the pandemic waned, they used Quarantine Iguana photos again, this time to let the public know when a business or park had reopened.

Carolyn treasured time with her parents and family, sharing her love for animals with sibling Randy Damish, who started a pet care business. She ended every phone call, every conversation with her parents, with an affirming “I love you!”

She relished holidays, especially Thanksgivings, and the family-friendly audience she knew would welcome her energy. Once there, she didn’t steal the show – she was the show, with her infectious smile, penetrating voice and love of song and celebration. Carolyn always made it a point to connect with every person before the party ended.

During her cousin Alexis’ wedding, Carolyn led an unforgettable trolley ride from the reception to the hotel, leading the packed car in a rousing sing-along and dance celebration. When the trolley arrived, everybody kept singing with Carolyn, not wanting to get off.

“Her soul is wild, boundless, and boisterous,” said Alexis, who often communicated with Carolyn, “and her energy was infectious. At my wedding, my mother in-law saw her on the dance floor and said, ‘I want to party with her!’ ”

Much of what Carolyn thought and felt was reflected in her tattoos. She had so many close friends that matching tattoos soon competed for space on her arms and shoulders. Morgan and Carolyn shared several tattoos, including one for the rapper “Lil Peep” and his song “Star Shopping,” in which he says, “The music’s the only thing keepin’ the peace when I’m falling to pieces.” They shared several tattoos of the moon because of their late-night escapades.

Carolyn had the Virgo symbol on her arm in honor of her mother, and shared a matching “always” tattoo with friend Catt Harvey on her collarbone to signify their lifelong love.

A “Stay gold” tattoo on her hip was one of Carolyn’s most precious. It served as a reminder to preserve and cherish your childhood innocence and authenticity, regardless of your situation or surroundings. The phrase became popularized by another of Carolyn’s favorite novels, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, which became a Broadway show. In one pivotal scene, a character pleads for the protagonist to “Stay gold” -- or to maintain his sensitivity and goodness despite their traumatic and tenuous environment. The saying also applied to her many close friends, who showered her with dozens of remembrances on social media.

“You were never just ‘a friend,’ you were a chapter of our lives, a piece of our youth, a part of the stories we will tell forever,” wrote her lifelong friend Natalie Osgood. “I keep thinking about how lucky we were to exist in the same lifetime as you. To laugh with you. To grow up beside you. To know your heart.”

“Carolyn was the most wondrous, creative, magical, inspirational and whimsical soul,” said Morgan Norberg, “who could make your worst day into one of the most magical moments and uplifting experiences. All she had to do was be herself.”

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Carolyn is survived by her parents, Johanne Burlingame Damish and partner Urpo Nurmenniemi of Pembroke, and Daniel Damish and his wife, Christine, of Orleans; her sibling Randy Damish and partner Christian Harding of Walpole, MA, and her grandmother Joanne F. Damish and late grandfather Edward P. Damish of Walpole.

She was the niece of Michael and Lauren Damish of Huntington Beach, Calif; Diane and Peter Culhane of Walpole; Steve and Leslie Damish of Raynham, Robert and Kathleen Damish of Walpole, Patrick Damish and his partner Maureen Byrnes of Norwood; Mark Damish of Westwood, Paul Burlingame of Kittery Point, Maine, the late Brooks Burlingame and his wife, Nancy, of Reading, and the late Martha, Jane and Mickey Burlingame.

She was the cousin of Stephanie Damish, Addy Damish, and Dr. Alexis Damish Kemp; Nicholas and Dr. Casey Culhane, Brooks, Brian, Ben and Beau Burlingame, Bridget (Burlingame) Kowal, Myhrandah Valentine and numerous extended family and friends.

Loving partner of Joe Penman of Suffield CT.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Carolyn’s visitation on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Interment will take place privately at the request of Carolyn’s family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: High Watch Recovery Center, 62 Carter Road, Kent CT 06757