Ingrid Carmichael

1912 - 2009

Ingrid Petra Johanna Carmichael

Lorin Burt Carmichael

1911-1970

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother (Nana) and Great-Grandmother, Ingrid Carmichael passed away unexpectedly at age 97 on November 22, 2009 after enduring congestive heart failure for 15 years. Ingrid P. Johnson was the only and cherished child of Norwegian immigrants, Erick and Rikka (Ness) Johnson. She was born August 28, 1912 in the same home at 1599 Orchard Street that she lived in for 85 of her 97 years in Eugene.

Her uncle S. P. Ness lived across the street and Ingrid grew up playing with all nine of the Ness children. She attended Condon Elementary school (now a University of Oregon dormitory), Roosevelt Junior High School (now Condon), and Eugene High School (now Lighthouse Temple). She graduated in the Class of 1931 and was instrumental in annual class reunion planning, continuing up until last year. The 50th reunion reception was celebrated in the back yard of her garden home. She attended the University of Oregon for two years while working at McMorran & Washburne Department Store as well as Russell Apparel.

During this time she met and dated Lorin Burt Carmichael (Eugene Class of 1929) a descendant of Oregon pioneer Charles Applegate. Lorin became the "love of her life." They were married August 17, 1935, in the front room of her home after both had worked a full day. They spent a one week honeymoon camping at Crater Lake on $10.00 and even brought back a couple of dollars with them

Lorin and Ucal Mountjoy established Mountjoy & Carmichael Fine Furniture in 1935 on the corner of Broadway and Oak in Eugene, specializing in solid wood furniture, lamps, draperies, carpets, linoleum, and upholstery. Personal service was their specialty. Many customers relied on their store for all their home needs. When Ucal retired in 1962, Ingrid became a partner in Mountjoy & Carmichael. In 1962, during Eugene's urban renewal, the store was displaced to 11th and High Streets with First Interstate Bank of Oregon (now Wells Fargo) taking over their old location.

In the pre-World War II years, two children were born: Judith Ann and Robert Alan, with David Eric after the war. Ingrid was a wonderful homemaker, devoted wife and mother, and was involved in many community affairs, including Cub Scouts Den Mother, Brownies Den Mother, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Condon PTA, JCCettes, Elks Club, Eugene Garden Club, Election poll worker, FISH volunteer, Hult Center volunteer and Pioneer Cemetery volunteer.

With the sudden unexpected death of her husband in 1970, Ingrid became an instant business woman and with the help of her law school son, David, managed and sold an inventory close-out of Mountjoy & Carmichael Furniture Store in the one and only "sale" in the store's 35 year history. Lorin practiced reasonable prices 365 days a year, and believed that sales were unfair to customers who had recently purchased at the regular price. The building remains in the family today.

Ingrid launched herself into her church, the Obsidians, YMCA, and her family. She had a knack and a passion for relating with people, including family, friends, neighbors, and classmates. She taught Sunday School for 25 years, served on her church council, was a life-long participant in her ladies' circle, altar guild, and a regular at Wednesday prayer.

She was a devoted 55 year member of the YMCA and led efforts to raise capital funds to build the current YMCA facility. She served many years on the YMCA Board of Directors and could be seen in fitness classes many days a week, up to the last week of her life. Her annual Christmas Party for her many friends from the YMCA, Garden Club, and Church Circle for over 40 years, was legendary and not to be missed, nor were the many family gatherings she organized for various occasions. Many people and family sought her considered guidance, support and advice. Being very outgoing and social, she quickly made good friends which became increasingly useful later in life upon outliving many of her older friends.

It's been said that "Angels fly because they take themselves lightly." So it was with Ingrid. Her friendliness, positive and supportive nature was ever-present and infectious. She cared little for the material trappings in life but cared mightily for people. Like Will Rogers, Ingrid seemingly never met a person she didn't like. When family called her in the morning, Ingrid's usual greeting was an enthusiastic, "This is the day that the Lord has made!," followed up quick with, "It's going to be a great day!" For Ingrid, and those of us fortunate enough to have been close with her, hers was a great life!

In her 60s and 70s she traveled widely, locally with the Obsidians and saw much of the United States, China, and even spent a month at her father's old homestead in Norway. She always returned to Eugene saying "it's great to be home."

She will be forever loved and missed by her children and their spouses: Judith A. Danielson (late husband John Danielson) of Portland; Dr. Robert A. Carmichael (wife Judy) of Creswell; and David E. Carmichael (wife Bonnie) of Eugene; and grandchildren: Mylene L. Vlasak; Julie Tonroy (husband Sam); Scott A. Carmichael; Shelley A. Carmichael; Jill L. Cole (husband Brent); Thomas L. Carmichael (wife Christina); Joseph D. Carmichael (wife Megan); and Jamie E. Carmichael and great-grandchildren: Peighton A. Carmichael; Tabor K. Landis; Bailey J. Cole; Parker J. Cole; Tatum J. Carmichael and Erick A. Tonroy.

A special thank you and tribute to granddaughter Mylene for her loving support and special care she provided for her Nana's needs these past 10 years.

Her funeral service was well-attended, held November 29, 2009 at Central Lutheran Church, (her church of 97 years) highlighted by the wonderful soloists Siri Vik and David Gustafson. The closing hymn, at Ingrid's request, was a festive rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In." Burial was at Rest Haven Cemetery next to her husband.

Remembrances may be sent to YMCA Campaign for Kids, Greenhill Humane Society or Central Lutheran Church Special Music Fund.

-- Ingrid's loving and grateful family.

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