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Carolyn Richard Obituary
To all who knew her, Carolyn was a force of nature. She was gregarious and a lover of music, art, poetry, and theater. She was deeply committed to fairness and justice, contributing her time and resources to various civil rights causes over the years. For those who knew her personally, she was a devoted friend.
Carolyn was born in February 1942 in Nebraska and as child moved with her mother Erna to Billings, Montana. Her mother married Phillip Griffin and together they raised Carolyn and her half-brother George.
She met and married Jerome (Jerry) Richard in Missoula MT and they married in 1961. They lived in several university towns where he was employed as a professor until they settled in Bellingham, WA, in the late 1960's where Jerry was an English professor at Fairhaven College. Carolyn and Jerry moved to Seattle in the mid-1970s. Carolyn taught English, worked at legal services; she then joined a large law firm in Seattle as a paralegal. She later returned to university and was certified as an ESL teacher, an occupation that she loved. She and Jerry loved to travel and spent time in Europe and the Middle East. They loved and cherished art and music and assembled an impressive art collection and library. Carolyn engaged with everyone she met with an openness and warmth of spirit that endeared her to many, many people.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael, and by Jerry, her husband of over 57 years. She is survived by her son, David Richard of Seattle, and her brother George Griffin of Coral Springs, FL.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to either the Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Temple Beth Am of Seattle, Washington, the University of Pennsylvania, or, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.
Please sign Carolyn's online guestbook at www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Richard
Sponsored by The Family.
Frida Weisman
August 31, 2025
I think about Griff often. She was such a force of nature, so kind, and optimistically spirited.
elyette marla weinstein
August 31, 2024
I think of Carolyn often and still miss her. She was one of a kind.
Pat McIntyre
August 31, 2024
It's hard to believe that Griff has already been gone for four whole years. Her spirit is still very much alive in our memories and we both have a big smile when we think how super-charged she would be by the Kamala/Tim surge and how vocally supportive she would have been of their campaign of Hope, Joy and Love. Wish she were here.
Pat McIntyre
March 15, 2024
I had the honor of annually exchanging silly St. Patrick's Day cards with Carolyn and addressed them to "McGriff Richards," or "O'Carolyn Richards." I wish I could have continued that for a much longer time.
Frida
March 14, 2024
Missing Griff this morning.
Elyette Weinstein
September 1, 2023
Carolyn and Jerry always made me feel welcome and accepted. They were bright, funny, interesting and kind. I still can't totally believe that Carolyn is gone.
Pat & Jane McIntyre
April 7, 2023
The Griffer - In our memories: still beautiful; still unforgettable; still missed and needed more than ever in a world that's much worse off without her.
elyette weinstein
April 6, 2023
Carolyn was always "in my corner," believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself. She was brilliant and funny; the best company ever. I had been trying to contact her for years. It wasn't like her not to reply. Now I know why she didn't. The world is a poorer place without her.
elyette marla weinstein
April 5, 2023
I live in Olympia. For years, I have been trying to contact "Griff" and wondered what had happened. I tried again today since it is near Passover. I wanted to laugh with her about politics, as we often did. I am in shock. I have missed her so much and can't believe I won't be able to hear her laughter and enjoy her kindness and wit.
Pat and Jane McIntyre
September 2, 2022
Even two years after her sad passing, our world is a notably less joyful and interesting place without her love for life and her often quite wise and humorous observations on it's many shortcomings. We miss and need you, Griff!
Frida Weisman
August 31, 2021
I've been thinking about Griff more in the last few days, not knowing it was her yahrzeit, and now it makes sense.
She was a force of nature, with strong determination and fierce principles of justice. I so admired her tireless pursuits, and ability to ride the high waves without getting sucked into the negativity.
She once thrust her favorite book at me, gave me a year's deadline to return it, and it was a wonderful book (yes, I returned it). And the Richard's art collection was a thing of inspiration. She was a rare human.
December 15, 2020
... Today, December 15, Carolyn and Ruth are doing high fives together: first US delivery of a vaccine, and the official Electoral College vote is in.
Carolyn must be so thrilled to be sitting on the "right side" of RBG =
Elaine Chuang
December 13, 2020
Elaine Springer
November 16, 2020
If it‘s possible, lease add Carolyn’s middle name, Marie, to this listing to make it easier to find. Thank you!
Kate Forster
September 24, 2020
I moved next door to Carolyn 10 years ago, and we became fast friends. Her dedication to social justice was an inspiration. Her love of books and theater was stimulating. I will very much miss our evenings of tea, conversation, and Masterpiece Theater. My life is richer for having known her.
John Hennes
September 14, 2020
Carolyn and Jerry were long time members of a coffee club that met on Queen Anne from the mid 1990s until this year. Griff was such a lively and caring part of this. Jerry would smile indulgently at her ramblings and we all gained much from her wide interest in theater and literature. She was great. Our sympathies for her loss to David and her brother George.
John Hennes
September 14, 2020
Ellen West
September 13, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a wonderful woman and fighter for justice. I will look for her at every BBQ at Peter and Judy's. She will be missed by many.
Birthday Party, at Aegis (Feb 4, 2020)
September 9, 2020
Roxanne Lieb
September 9, 2020
I was a student at Fairhaven College and took several very memorable classes from Jerry. I met Grif and periodically took care of the children when they went on date nights. When I recall Grif, my first image is of her waving her hands in the air and exclaiming about events that either delighted or horrified her. She was passionate about civil liberties and justice. I wish I had taken opportunities to visit them after they moved to Seattle. They are missed.
Patrick & Jane McIntyre
September 7, 2020
To David and George: We are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend, Griff. She and Jerry were both longtime treasured friends who brought much fun, laughter, learning and joy into our lives. Our thoughts are with both of you and we especially want you to know that your mom and sister was indeed a positive force of nature and that she will definitely live on in our memories. Her life and presence among us were truly great gifts.
Frida Weisman
September 6, 2020
This brief bio captures Griff's spirit. She was truly a force of nature, with an abundance of generosity of spirit. She never held back.
Linda Gould
September 6, 2020
Carolyn was a lively, utterly engaging presence. It was wonderful to have known her. I have a vivid memory of her coming to my house, likely 13-15 years ago, to take me to see my doctor. I had an ear infection and could not get out of bed because the room swirled around me when I tried to get up. She was right there when I needed her, for which I remain grateful to this day. Carolyn was a vibrant and very enthusiastic member of a book discussion group to which I belonged for several years. Her unique style cannot be duplicated!
Margaret Casey
September 6, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Carolyn. I have lost track of her these past few years. She was a force of nature. I wish her family all the best.
Elsie Scharff
September 6, 2020
She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We'd pass many hours having tea and snacks together, talking about books and world affairs. I'll miss her.
Eve
September 6, 2020
I worked with Carolyn at John Hay elementary school in the late 80’s, early 90’s. We connected immediately. Her passion and enthusiasm could help but rub off to those around her. She was a great listener and cared deeply for those around her. She will be missed...
Sue Miller
September 6, 2020
I met Carolyn at the lawfirm in the 80s. When I became a new mom, she gave me comforting and reassuring advice when I needed it most and saved me from a lot of angst. I SO appreciated her! She was very kind and caring.
I'm so sorry for your loss. With sincere sympathy...
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