Carolyn Chaffee Otis

We sadly announce that Carolyn Otis passed away suddenly on March 25, 2026 at her home in Arcata. Carolyn Chaffee, on August 28, 1940, blessed the world with her birth. Eldest daughter of Pep and Ralph, she was soon joined by Beth and a few years later Bob completed the family. 

Carolyn grew up in the Midwest. She went to Ohio Wesleyan University, got her BA and went on to teach school in Catskill, NY, then on to working for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation demonstrating all-electric kitchens. Carolyn’s love of travel and her deep compassion for others led her into the Peace Corps and deep into South America. Although they first met in Seattle at the Peace Corps training, it was on the shores of Lake Titicaca she fell for the love of her life: Brooks Otis. 

Carolyn and Brooks returned to California and married in 1968. They lived in Escondido, CA and then moved to Eureka, CA where she gave birth to their son Dan Otis. In 1974 they co-founded Wildwood Music. They moved into their dream home in Arcata in 1975. Carolyn’s “kitchen plastics from the 50s” collection is located there, along with her hooked rugs, handcrafts and treasures from her world travel. In Arcata, she was a small business accountant who is fondly remembered by many local businesses.

Carolyn had many interests and many friends. She was active in the League of Women Voters, the Historical Sites Society of Arcata, the Handweavers Guild and was interested in yoga, tai chi, the Tarot, meditation, quilting and countless other things. She was a sweet, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and generous friend, always more interested in others than herself, but very grounded — with a memorable laugh. We are planning a memorial event sometime in the summer for Carolyn. Carolyn Otis was curious about life and the world around her. As her friends say … “Carolyn always had a few more questions.”