Deirdre Ann Carroll

Deirdre Ann Carroll

July 16, 1961 ~ January 5, 2019

Deirdre was a force of nature - a fierce protector of those she

loved, a fast friend to all she met -

and lived life to the fullest.

Deirdre was born in Orange, New Jersey to parents Patricia and Thomas Carroll. Her family later lived in Columbia, South Carolina, where she attended high school and the University of South Carolina before moving to Seattle, Washington in 1981. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1983 and remained a loyal Husky, proudly attending the official tailgate and Rose Bowl on New Year's Day 2019. While at the University, Deirdre honed her natural customer service and sales skills as a sales associate at Frederick & Nelson in their china department where she amassed an impressive collection which would serve her (and the lucky guests who enjoyed her impeccably-hosted gourmet dinners) well. Deirdre could accomplish anything she put her mind to, and this was evidenced in her rapid advancement from administrative assistant to successful bond broker at RW Smith.

Deirdre was a brilliant conversationalist with a keen wit. She was always up to date on the news of the world and pop culture, and remained a lifelong learner of history. Her unique and infectious sense of humor put people immediately at ease and she made meaningful connections with strangers and friends alike. She lovingly designed and cared for her garden and liked to travel, play Scrabble, spend time with friends, and explore her creative talents through painting and crafting, cooking and baking, and humorous writing. Deirdre was a seasoned Deadhead who attended shows across the US, Germany, France and the UK, and made many friendships along the way. She was at Sea-Tac Airport enroute to her first Dead show in 1990 when she met Bill Hanot, who became her husband of almost 30 years. The birth of their daughter, Cassidy Carroll, completed their family in 1996.

Deirdre was a devoted mother to Cassidy, her pride and joy. She chose not to return to RW Smith and dove wholeheartedly into raising her precious girl and tirelessly supporting numerous educational and nonprofit organizations. Deirdre was a volunteer, board member, and auction committee member and chair at Ingraham Preschool Co-op, Salmon Bay Elementary, University Prep and Showtunes Theatre Company in Seattle and a regional event host for Occidental College. She was also passionate about supporting the arts, especially as an enthusiastic audience member at Cassidy's piano recitals and film showings, but also as frequent attendee and donor in the Seattle arts community. Deirdre challenged Bill to become a true world traveler by visiting all seven continents, exploring almost 30 countries together on five continents on this quest.

In addition to Bill, her loving husband and travel partner, and Cassidy, the light and love of her life, Deirdre is survived by her mother Pat, her sister Eileen (Steve), her brother Thomas (Diana), nieces and nephew, a god-family, and best friends Laura and Candace, who can't imagine the world without her.

In lieu of flowers, Bill and Cassidy have chosen three nonprofit organizations that reflect a few of Deirdre's passions and principles: The Katmai Conservancy, Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), and the Medic One Foundation. Any financial contribution or non-financial support of these causes in her memory would be appreciated.

A celebration of Deirdre's life with family and friends will be held later this year. Sign her Guest Book at www.Legacy.com