Carol Ann Kirby

1953 - 2025

La Conner - Carol Ann Kirby, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at age 72, at La Conner Retirement Inn, with her husband by her side.

Born in New York City, Carol grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and Reading, Pennsylvania. In the 1970s, she moved to Oregon, attending Southern Oregon College and earning a bachelor's in microbiology from the University of Oregon. There, she met her first husband, Craig Alan Kirby. They relocated to Anacortes, Washington, where Carol worked as lead microbiologist at Island Hospital for 28 years. Carol and Craig shared a quiet life filled with music, time with family-including her brother Bob and his wife Ann-and beloved pets.

In 1993, they adopted daughter Caitlin Rae. After Craig's passing in 1996, Carol raised Caitlin alone, organizing themed birthdays, supporting her dance classes, and traveling east to visit family. She also cared for her mother, Amy, until Amy's death in 2005, and both sang in the Anacortes Lutheran Church choir.

In 2003, Carol met Douglas Thompson while waiting for their children-Caitlin and his son Ryan-at a school bus stop. They married in 2005, forming a blended family. They lived in Anacortes before moving to Carol's dream beachside cottage in La Conner, enjoying nature, animals, gardening, and laughter-filled dates. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2015, Carol received devoted care from Doug until the end.

Carol cherished her family, animals, hot tea, Diet Coke, TV shows like Oprah and Father Brown, cozy sweaters, and her signature earrings. She was remembered for her gentle kindness, attentive listening, hearty laughter, and tender care for others.

Preceded in death by her father Richard Noble, mother Amy Rey Milliard, and brother Bob Noble. Survived by husband Douglas Thompson of La Conner; son Ryan Thompson of Corvallis, Oregon; daughter Caitlin Kirby, son-in-law Taylor, and granddaughter Audrey of Hampton, Virginia; sister-in-law Ann and family of Eugene, Oregon; and dogs Toby and Harley. A Memorial Service will be held at Anacortes Lutheran Church on December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A public Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. Details at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/carol-kirby, along with a more detailed life story of Carol.

Donations may be made to Island Health Foundation, the Cat's Meow in Anacortes, the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, Compassion International, or the University of Oregon.