PITTSFIELD - Deborah Carley Emory, 80, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Aug. 4, 2014 in Seattle, Wash. She was born in Pittsfield, to Wayne Hallam Carley and Glenna Sunderman Carley on Apr. 28, 1934.
Deborah graduated from Pittsfield High School and earned a Bachelor's of Arts from Smith College in American Literature and History in 1956.
Encouraged by a friend, she headed west to Seattle, where she met and married her husband of 51 years George Meade Emory. Her life with Meade and her young family took her from Seattle to Boston, Iowa City, Washington, D.C., and Davis, Calif., ultimately returning to Seattle in 1978.
She obtained a Master's Degree in Economic Geography from University of California at Davis in 1976, and pursued doctorate studies at the University of Washington in music history.
Deborah was a lifelong learner, active writer, and prolific researcher. Her varied passions included Civil War and European history, opera, specifically Wagner's Ring Cycle, chamber music, book collecting and genealogical research.
Deborah began to play the piano at age four and developed a deep love and understanding of classical music. She took this love and knowledge of music and developed a career writing for music and arts journals, specializing in chamber music. Deborah wrote the program notes for the Seattle Chamber Music Festival for many years, beginning at the formation of the festival in 1982. Deborah also served as editor of the Book Club of Washington Journal from 2002 to 2006, a position that allowed her to share her love of books as well as demonstrate her meticulous attention to detail.
Deborah's deep faith brought her strength and comfort for many years. She was a long time member of St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle and served as an usher there in her later years.
Deborah was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, George Meade Emory, who passed away in 2010.
She is survived by her daughter Ann Hemsley Emory and her partner, Robert John Ryan of Seattle, son Campbell Dallas Emory III and his partner, Rita Ann Leary of San Francisco, daughter Elizabeth Carley Emory, son in law, Andrew Joseph Propst, and granddaughters Lillian Carley Propst and Clara Emory Propst, all of Seattle. She is also survived by her brother, Wayne H. Carley, Jr, his wife, Lien Carley, in addition to numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Deborah would have liked to express deep gratitude to the people of Bayview Manor in Seattle, who cared for her daily and whom she truly appreciated, as well as the courageous people from Providence Hospice of Seattle, who eased her transition and comforted her family during this time.
A memorial service celebrating Deborah's life will be held on Aug. 20, 2014 at 2 p.m.
Remembrances may be made to: Providence Hospice of Seattle at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Deborah had it all: compassion, intelligence, beauty and dignity. She was a loving presence in my life from my high school years forward. I consider myself lucky for that. Ann, Campbell and Beth, I am thinking of you, Deborah and Meade today - with love.
Louise Bush
August 24, 2014
Deborah and I met in Jr. High school and remained friends throughout high school. We met once in Seattle and again at a few high school reunions. As everyone knows her accomplishments were remarkable but I knew her as a trusted friend. She will be missed.
phyllis namrow
August 18, 2014
I'll miss my sister very much. Growing up in Pittsfield, attending colleges in New England in the mid-50s, and then living opposite coasts. Life can be very strange.
Wayne.
August 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ann, Campbell and Elizabeth. I'm so sorry for your loss. love, Meredith
August 12, 2014
Deborah was a wonderful and accomplished woman.
She was a wife and mother but also immersed in history, literature, music and the arts. A true Renaissance woman. She will be missed by her many friends in the community, including especially ourselves. Condolences to her loving family.
Ted Van Dyk and Jeri
August 12, 2014
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