Carole Leigh Ingram

Carole Leigh Ingram, 68, of Marysville, Washington died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 23, 2014. She was surrounded by her family, with her beloved cat Lily at her side. Carole Leigh was born to Harold and Ella Fitch on January 1, 1946, the first day of the Baby Boom generation. Carole Leigh was raised in and spent her entire life as a proud resident of Marysville. Throughout her youth, she was an avid roller skater and talented pianist. At Marysville High School she made numerous friendships that endured throughout her lifetime, and served as captain of the Tommiettes Drill Team. In 1968 she graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in education. Carole Leigh married Brent Ingram in June 1969. Carole Leigh was a career elementary school teacher in the Marysville school district, spending her last 20 years teaching 1st grade at Cascade Elem-entary. She loved teaching and impacted generations of students who have gone on to make their mark in the world. Carole Leigh was also proud of serving on the school district's collaborative collective bargaining committee. During her career, Carole Leigh became deeply involved in Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary altruistic sorority for women educators. As a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, she served as the Washington State President, Inter-national Vice President, and as a member of the International Executive Board. Most importantly, Carole Leigh fostered deep and meaningful friendships with women in this organization from across the country. Throughout all her activities, her family was the most important part of her life. Her love, kindness, and generosity were felt on a daily basis. She was the consummate hostess and delighted in decorating her home and preparing meals for her family. Carole Leigh was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She leaves behind Brent, her husband of 45 years; son, Tyler (Jillian), daughter, Marisa; mother, Ella; brother, Ken; and numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold. If you were fortunate enough to know Carole Leigh, you'll remember her kind and loving heart - never failing to put others ahead of herself. She had the gentlest of spirits, but was tough as nails and courageous throughout the past five years of her illness. Carole Leigh had a keen interest in the world and a joy for learning and discovery. She will be sorely missed, but we take comfort in knowing how many lives she touched, and how many friends she had who loved her as we did. Thank you all who have supported her through the last five years - your love, caring, and encouragement meant more to her, and to us, than you can possibly know. We'd also like to extend a special thank you to the health care professionals who provided her such compassionate and exceptional care. Her life was shorter than we'd have liked - but it was full to brimming with community, friendship, adventure and love. A celebration of Carole Leigh's life will be held on November 8, 2014 at 3 p.m. at the Marysville Opera House at 1225 3rd St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or the Providence Regional Cancer Part-nership. Her family also encourages people to sign up as a potential bone marrow donor through bethematch.org.