Memorial

“The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear.” Carla Jean Weeks, 62, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014, surrounded by her family at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha after an extended illness.

She was born on November 28, 1951 to Kenneth and Caroline Douma in Sioux Center, Iowa.  She graduated from Hull Western Christian in 1970.  She attended Indian Hills Community College becoming a registered nurse in 1973.  

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 40 years, Ray; 3 children Joshua (Veronica) of Walford, Kimberly (Israel) Huygen of Ft. McMurray, AB; Nicholas (Liza) of Cedar Rapids; 8 grandchildren, Victoria and Cameron Weeks; Selah, Naomi, Eli and Adia Huygen, Avry and Lilianne Weeks; her mother, Caroline Douma; her father-in-law, William Weeks; two sisters, one brother, two sister-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Douma, her mother-in-law, Doris Weeks and her brother-in-law, Alan Weeks.

Carla loved being a nurse and always went the extra mile for her patients.  She was employed by Mercy Medical Center as an oncology, dialysis, out- patient and hospice nurse.  She also worked for Drs. Mary Ann Nelson and Carla Schulz.  She was employed by Principal Financial Group as a case manager at the time of her stroke in 2004.   

Mentoring was an important part of Carla’s nursing career.  She was one of the first oncology nurses at Mercy Hospital.  Working with her patients and putting all her energy into caring for them was her greatest nursing experience.  Carla took the time to listen to and visit with her patients and, in many instances, be a part of many poignant moments and conversations.  Carla learned that life and death were part of her daily experience and she came to feel that death is both an end and a beginning.  

Carla loved life and people.  She enjoyed travelling and saw many Caribbean Islands.  She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, courage and determination.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30 from 4 to 7 PM at Cedar Hills Community Church in Cedar Rapids.  Services will be held on Monday at 10 AM at the church.  Burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family and will be give to charities close to Carla’s heart.