Paul and Wendy Carboneau

1936 - 2021

Paul Carboneau April 11, 1936 - August 18, 2021

Wendy Carboneau March 28, 1942 - April 30, 2012

The friends and family of Paul and Wendy Carboneau regret to announce that both have left our company and this earth.
Wendy passed away in her home, as she wished, on April 30, 2012, after a long and brave struggle with cancer. She wanted to slip quietly away. Her family honored that wish.
Paul, Wendy's husband of 49years, suffered a debilitating stroke not long after losing his wife. Paul died in Reno on August 18, 2021, following a long stay in assisted living, but with the nearby love and attention of his son, Timothy Griffin (formerly Carboneau), Tim's wife Sharon Black, and their twin children Luke Black Griffin and Cora Black Griffin. The love of those grandchildren was among the consolations available to Paul after losing Wendy and moving to Reno within a year of her death.
Wendy was born in Black Diamond, Washington on March 28, 1942, to Robert LeBeau and Florence LeBeau.
Paul was born in San Francisco, California on April 11, 1936, to Louise Kirker nez Louise Griffin. Following the marriage of Louise Griffin to Robert Carboneau, Robert adopted Paul and thereafter treated him as his own son.
Paul and Wendy are survived by their son Patrick, their son Timothy, Tim's wife Sharon Black and their children Luke and Cora. Wendy was also survived by her brother Dean LeBeau. Paul is also survived by his brother William Carboneau and his wife, Vivian.
PAUL AND WENDY WERE AMAZING AND OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS, TEACHERS, AND PUBLIC SERVANTS Having graduated from Western Washington College (now University) they moved to Snohomish County and served for decades in its public education system.
Paul began his career in what was then the Cathcart School District. He served as a teacher, Principal, and the Superintendent until that district merged with the Snohomish School District. After the merger Paul became the Principal of Emerson Elementary. Later in his career Paul led the Snohomish School District with several administrative positions. Paul was known for his willingness to rock the administrative boat and get things done.
Wendy's focus as a teacher was the English language in all its complexities. Her success with her students and her skills as an instructor led to her supervision of other teachers via a program called "Instructional Theory Into Practice" aka ITIP, empowering other teachers to succeed in that difficult and demanding profession.
Paul and Wendy gained a reputation as perfect hosts in their welcoming home between Snohomish and Monroe. Food, drink, and conversation that was always filled with laughter and storytelling were the norm.
Wendy always found time in her busy life for her faith in God and practiced that faith as a long and loyal member of the Snohomish First Presbyterian Church.
Wendy was a physical fitness buff with a keen interest in hiking and skiing in Washington and British Columbia. Boating, swimming and water skiing on Lake Chelan and Lake Sammamish were also among her favored activities.
Paul created a natural wonderland out of the woods surrounding their family home. Colorful rhododendrons (including his own hybrids) and other flora adorned a yard so beautiful his younger son, Timothy, chose it as the venue for his wedding. But no person or plant could get in the way of Paul's enthusiasm for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. Paul knew the stats for those players better than the coaches and sometimes provided the coaches with his own insight and advice. His sons Patrick and Timothy continue this legacy-obsession with vigor.
Family and friends would suggest that the lives of these two educators be honored by gifts to the Snohomish Education Foundation, a non-profit which provides grants to classrooms and scholarships to students of the Snohomish School District. P.O. Box 1312, Snohomish, WA 98291 or donate at the website: snoed.org.