Carole Jane Penix

Carole Jane PENIX Carole passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2011, surrounded by her family. Carole was born March 4, 1927 in Minot, North Dakota to Martha and Walter Leigh, one of 10 children. After graduating from Minot High School in 1946, she moved to Seattle where she completed beauty school. Once in Seattle, she met Gordon Penix. Soon after, the two of them married, and started a family. They had three daughters, Carla, Lynn, and Kim, raising their girls in Seattle and Shoreline. Carole's calling in life was to care for others. She was a sweet, kind, generous daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, and a loving and dedicated mother. Her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. She was a devoted and loyal wife, supporting Gordon's career in the Coast Guard, which often took him to sea, for months at a time. Carole was able to provide her children a safe, happy, loving home, comforting her girls when they missed their dad, stoically hiding her own tears during her husband's absences. She never complained, maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook. Carole volunteered as a 'room mother' when her daughters were in elementary school, was active at Woodland Park Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She also sang songs to entertain and comfort her children and grandchildren. She developed many wonderful friendships from every area of her life. People were drawn to her genuine sweet nature and her smile. After her children were grown and started their own families, Carole cherished her role as Grandma Carole. Her Grandchildren, and now her Great-Grandchildren, adored their sweet Grandma. As the years went on, Carole and Gordon traveled together spending several months out of each year in Hawaii, where they had many good times. In 2005, Carole suffered an injury from a fall. Her injuries led to a significant decline in Carole's health. She was at a low point, although she never complained. She could no longer travel and was unable to remain at home. After her fall, Carole moved to a truly wonderful Adult Family Home in Seattle, where she could be closer to her family. For the past six years, Carole has been lovingly cared for by Lovella and Carmen. They were able to give Carole the attention and care she deserved, and they saw to it that Carole received the ongoing medical care she needed. Carole's love of life returned, and she was once again able to appreciate all life had to offer her. The loving care, kindness, and enormous generosity of Carole's caregivers made all the difference. The joy, bright smile and happy twinkle returned to Carole's beautiful brown eyes, where it remained until shortly before she passed. Carole is survived by her husband Gordon, daughters Carla, Lynn (husband Dennis Reilly), Kim (partner Mike Brown), her grandchildren Emily (husband Shane Stauffer), Gavin, Gordon, Elena, Erin, and Grant; and her great-grandchildren Coby, Holly, Janey, and Johanna. She is also survived by her brother Ken Leigh and Wes Leigh, sister Bonnie Smith, and several nieces and nephews. See you on the other side. Memorial Service Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen-Washelli Chapel, 11111 Aurora Ave North, Seattle. Those attending the service, please feel free to wear the bright colors that Carole loved! Please visit on-line guest book at www.washelli.com.