Marion Kerr Chadwick

Marion Kerr CHADWICK 89, passed away at Sunrise Haven in Kent on January 16, 2011. She was born in Seattle on October 2, 1921 to Walter and Hildegarde (St Clair) Kerr. She graduated from Berkley High School in California and attended the University of Washington in Seattle before joining the United States Navy, where she served as an officer in the WAVES during World War II. On April 14, 1945 she married Charles Robb Chadwick, who survives her. Their 65 year marriage was a source of great joy to her. Marion completed her college education at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, earning degrees in education and music. She taught elementary school for many years, first in Yakima where the family lived for several years during the 1950's, and then at Phantom Lake Elementary in Bellevue. After her retirement from teaching, Marion became a competitive long distance swimmer, swimming in Masters competitions all over the world, and winning more than eight hundred medals. She wrote a book about her swimming experiences in 2005. "Tales of a Master Swimmer." Marion loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. She served as soloist in a Christian Science church in Seattle for many years. She lived her life with wonderful joy and energy. Her loves were her church, her family and friends, her home, music, swimming, and travel. She was a member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston (The Mother Church), First Church of Christ Scientist, Mercer Island, Republican Women of Mercer Island and Chi Omega Sorority. In addition to her husband, Marion is survived by two daughters, Robin Chadwick, Chehalis and Marcy Woodruff, Port Angeles, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Stephen Hamilton, Everett, and beloved niece, Victoria Hawker, Seattle. At the request of the deceased there will be no services.