Carol Hurd – A true stalwart of the Miami Lodge in Deerfield Beach, FL and of the Theosophical Society in general passed away peacefully on July 17, 2020 at the age of 91 surrounded by and in the loving care of her family. Her dedication to Theosophy and her keenness to share it were remarkable. In a spotlight on her in a Federation publication in 2010, she was touted as a member of the Theosophical Society for 43 years who has had “a long history” of giving her “time and talents at the state and local level.” And she served in many capacities including President of the Lodge as well as in other board member roles and also as a regular member. She was the “go to” person for information relating to past Federation activities or Federation By-Laws or just general history that would fill in the pieces of the puzzle which helped others to do their jobs. She was a devout Christian and was very active in her Church who, through her late husband, Stanley, had exposure to Theosophy; which ignited in her a greater search for understanding of the Truth behind her commitment to her faith. In her words,
“I feel, as do many others, that theosophy has become a
way of life for me. It is really an extension of the Christianity
that I knew, not a substitute for it. I am very grateful to all my
theosophical teachers including Gertrude Sitt and Joy Mills, and
also to H.P. Blavatsky and the Masters of the Wisdom for giving
us the Teachings. I feel that it is my job to share, as well as I can,
what has meant so much to me.”
Carol’s legacy is that she not only lived up to those words but her efforts impacted so many others in both obvious and subtle, yet most profound ways. She will be remembered fondly as a “good and faithful servant” whose countless efforts made such a beneficial difference. Godspeed Dear Carol.
A Zoom memorial tribute to Carol Hurd’s life, hosted by Cary Bayer and The Theosophical Society in Miami, Deerfield Beach Branch, was held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 2:30 pm. Some comments were:
I remember her from my visit to the Deerfield Beach lodge about ten years ago. She was a fine lady.
Richard Smoley
Editor, Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America
–Cary Bayer
What an inspiring human being! When I first met her at Deerfield lodge for Florida Federation Convention there I was a treasurer and was assigned to speak on Symbol of Theosophy and she guided me, giving some subtle points needed to speak. She was very supportive, encouraging lady, a sea of knowledge of theosophy. I was newcomer from ST. Petersburg lodge at that time. I will never forget her and I am sure who knows her will never forget this compassionate lady. It is a great loss to Theosophy as a whole. Peace to her soul.
Dr. Navin Vibhakar, Bradenton group and warden of EST group.
Memorial Tribute August 8, 2020, 2:30 p.m. (EST)
If needed, more info is below:
Meeting ID 823 1907 9290
Passcode 647566