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Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association
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Passing of Carene E. "Mama House" Housenfluck

Past President of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Associaion Ladies Auxiliary

The Arundel Volunteer Fire Department, The Anne Arundel County Volunter Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary, The Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemens Association announce the passing of Carene E. "Mama House" Housenfluck on July 21, 2021.

Carene "Mama House" Elizabeth Housenfluck, 80, a seven-year resident of Bethany Beach, DE and previously of Gambrills and New Carrollton, MD, died of cancer on July 21, 2021, following a short illness. Born October 28, 1940, in Washington, DC to the late Howard and Irene Peter, Carene was a graduate of Suitland High School. She was a devoted and loving housewife and mother, who loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Carene as an active volunteer with the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxillary, Maryland State Firemans Association, and the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Housenfluck. Carene is survived by her husband of 61 years, Earl L. Housenfluck, Sr.; three children, Earl (Teresa) Housenfluck, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lynn (Kevin) Duckworth of Annapolis, MD, and Patty (Kenny) Boswell of Deale, MD; two sisters, Marian Nicholson of Laurel, MD and Margery Smith of Port Charlotte, FL; six grandchildren,Todd (Emma Chini) Duckworth, Jessica (Tyler Woody) Wilson, Kayla (Tyler Hardy) Boswell, Joseph Housenfluck, Jacob (Sierra Roach) Boswell, and Savannah (Jimmy Stutz) Jacobson; and five great-grandchildren.

Carene’s accomplishments are numerous. 

ARUNDEL Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
She joined the Arundel VFD Ladies Auxiliary on October 4, 1988.  In 1993, she revived the Ladies Auxiliary and served as President until the present day, even after she retired to Delaware.  Her dogged devotion has kept the auxiliary working for almost 40-years.

ARUNDEL Volunteer Fire Department
Served as Treasurer for many years.  This was a time and labor-intensive job which she enjoyed and in which she served with honor.
Served on the Board of Directors for several years where her years of experience were much appreciated.
Carene oversaw the food service for almost every event held at the station for the past 40-years.  She was the company go-to food manager for all events.  Because of her kind and nurturing nature, she has always been affectionally called Mama House by all the members.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY Volunteer Firefighters Association Ladies Auxiliary
Served as President from 2000-2001
While working her way through the chairs, when serving as Chaplain, she instituted the first annual joint memorial service for the Volunteer Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary.  This is a yearly event and well organized.  Carene has chaired the Memorial Service committee for many years.
Currently serving as Chaplain and has for many years.  She once again took the position of Chaplain to keep the ladies auxiliary from disbanding due to declining membership.
Past Ways and Means chairperson.  She brought in a good bit of revenue for the county ladies auxiliary to include many successful bingos, raffles, and bus trips.
Served on the 75^th anniversary committee for the County Ladies Auxiliary that was held in May 2013.  Planning began many months prior to the anniversary.
Served as Arundel’s Chairman of Delegates.
Inducted in the Hall of Fame in July 2003

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY Volunteer Firefighters Association
Attended as many monthly meetings as she could.
Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2006
Served on the Hall of Fame committee in 2021

LADIES AUXILIARY to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Served on the Pins and Badges committee for many years and was still serving
Conference Chairperson – 2011-2012
Legislative/State Circle Chairperson for many years and still serving at the time of her death.  She has been Chairman since 2011.
Liaison to the Maryland Fire Rescue Memorial Foundation committee for many years and still serving – she joined the committee in 2007
Active supporter of the Cancer Support committee
Served as Arundel’s Chairman of Delegates
Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2009

NOTES
Carene was always willing to buy raffle tickets for whatever fundraiser was held.
Active attendee for the County Ladies Auxiliary Past President’s Club
She was a very dedicated volunteer and always willing to do whatever she could do to help.  She was often asked to give her advice and assistance.
She was honored to be inducted in three different Hall of Fames for the fire service.
Friends are invited to celebrate Carene's life on Monday, July 26 from 2-4 and 6-8, Auxiliary Prayers at 7PM

Funeral Tuesday, July 27 10am.
Kalas Funeral Home and creamatory
2973 Solomons Island Road
Edgewater, MD 21037

Internment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.
900 W. Central Avenue
Davidsonville, MD 21035

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland Fire Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 742, Annapolis, MD 21404.

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