Torre Houlgate-West.
– Torre Houlgate-West, 87, passed away at her home in Paso Robles, California, on March 4, 2025.
A dedicated community organizer and passionate advocate for the literary arts, Torre left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of San Luis Obispo. Shortly after settling there with her husband, Laurence (Larry) Houlgate, in 1979, she founded bi-weekly gatherings for poets and fiction writers at her home in Baywood. In 1984, she published *The Tuesday Poets*, an anthology showcasing the voices that flourished within those meetings. For a decade, she also served as editor of *California Quarterly*, the esteemed publication of the California State Poetry Society.
Beyond literature, Torre embraced intellectual pursuits with fervor. She competed in national bridge and Scrabble tournaments and generously shared her expertise by offering free bridge lessons at senior centers in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande, lessons that continue to inspire many of her former students.
Her passion extended to political activism as well; Torre established the first permanent office for the local Democratic Club in San Luis Obispo and contributed her efforts to the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Committee.
Born in West Hollywood, California, Torre was the daughter of Geneva Hallamore and Edward Petersen. In 1970, she married Laurence Houlgate, with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage. She is survived by her loving husband Laurence and nephews James Dexter-Lee and Mark Dexter. She was predeceased by two sisters and her son, Joshua J.D. Houlgate.
Reflecting on her own creative spirit, Torre once wrote:
*”My mental house is large and haunted… a fusion of dream and memory, an alloy of the precious metals of the mind.”*
May her words continue to resonate with all who knew her.
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