Carolyn Lee Williamson

Carolyn (Kelly) moved on suddenly at her Judson Park home in Des Moines, WA (with her car keys nearby, trying to learn to "text" on her new Blackberry).

Born in Brownsville, Oregon in 1920, she was the youngest of the Rev. McLain W. & Bertha Davis' five children. The family moved to the Seward Park neighborhood of Seattle in 1922, and she was a lifelong Seattle area resident. A graduate of Franklin High, she attended the University of Washington, joining Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She was married to Robert Williamson, by her father in his Brighton church, in 1942, just before Bob left to serve in the European Theater. During the war years she worked at Seattle bank and real estate firms until his safe return in 1946.

In 1952, the couple settled in Normandy Park, raising 3 children: Nancy Himmel, Brian (Lisa) and Jim (Susan). Carolyn returned to the UW in 1965 to escape her life as "just a housewife" (or to prepare for the summer of love?), and completed her degree in education. She taught elementary school at Boulevard Park and North Hill Elementary until her retirement in 1976.

Retirement brought out her remarkable desire to learn, grow and serve. An active member of St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church for over 50 years, her friends and activities there were a huge part of her life. She traveled with Bob to construction sites in the West, making lifelong friends. She took an active and productive interest in painting, wood carving, gardening, cooking, and genealogy (including research trips to Indiana, PA, and Glasgow, Scotland), accepting kudos and criticism with grace and good humor. After Bob passed away in 1998, she continued an active interest and concern (for better or worse) for the world, and the lives and interests of her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren - sometimes correct, usually with humor, but always with grace. Her last two years were spent at Judson Park, enjoying the activities and friendships she made. She always knew "who she was and what she represented" - she will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Monday, Oct. 11th, at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, 1005 SW 152nd St., Burien, WA 98166. She would prefer remembrances to St. Elizabeth's, in lieu of flowers.