Molly Cone

1918 - 2016

Molly Cone

Molly Lamken Cone was born in Tacoma, Washington on October 3, 1918 and passed away peacefully on March 23, 2016 at the age of 97. She graduated from Stadium High School, attended the University of Washington, and married Gerald (Jerry) Cone in 1939. This past year they joyfully celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. Molly and Jerry started a successful printing business in Seattle and were founding members of Temple Beth Am.

Molly was the middle child of five born into a warm and protective family of Latvian immigrants including her beloved live-in Grandmother. Their home was filled with love, laughter and wonderful Shabbat (Friday- night) dinners that included uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Much of Molly's childhood was spent reading. She grew up with a passionate conviction that she could be anything she wanted, and what she wanted to be was a writer.

Molly is most noted as a children's author, having published over 45 books. Throughout the years she received numerous national and regional awards. The New York Times selected "Mishmash," the first in her series of seven books about a far too friendly dog, as one of the 100 best children's books. Originally published in 1962, Mishmash has become a children's classic. Her book "Come Back, Salmon" garnered eight awards. Molly also received the Washington Governor's Writers Award three times. Most recently, Molly received recognition as head writer on a team of three for the book "Family of Strangers: Building a Jewish Community in Washington State."

For the past 10 years Molly was a resident of Horizon House, where she served as President of the Resident's Council Board, as an active member of numerous committees, and was highly regarded as a pivotal personality and dynamic contributor to daily living at the Horizon House.

Molly had a life-long interest in entertaining friends and family, traveling, and attending art events, symphony performances and plays. As a strong, competent, independent and gracious woman, Molly was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and her many loyal friends. She is survived by her husband Jerry and three children, Susan Coleman (Brendan), Gary Cone (Karen), and Ellen Maddrey, (Wendell), as well as her nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Private family funeral. Donations in the memory of Molly may be made to Temple Beth Am or The Holocaust Center for Humanity.