Our beloved mother, Carol, passed away on July 15, 2018, at the age of 92. What a blessing it was for her children to surround her as she peacefully entered the presence of the Lord. Carol was born Marie Carol Manning on October 7, 1925 in New York City to Joseph and Marie Kelly Manning.

Her childhood was spent in NYC, (except for one year in San Diego.) Mom received her early education in boarding schools and graduated from public high school in NYC.

After high school, Mom loved volunteering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and working at the United Nations. Mom was always a beauty inside and out and at the age of 18, she won the title of “Miss United Nations.” Afterwards, MGM pursued her for an acting career. She declined and she fell in love with a handsome naval officer, John Gobeille. In 1944, Mom and Dad wed at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, (where Dad was stationed.) They cherished each other for 72 years.

Mom was devoted to Dad and our growing family. Nothing made Mom and Dad happier and more fulfilled than being surrounded by their loving family. In 1946, after Dad left the Navy, Mom and Dad moved to the Midwest. They enjoyed a Summer at Pewaukee Lake, WI, before making their homes in Milwaukee and Park Ridge, IL, for several years and then Mount Prospect, IL, for 23 years. Always generous with her time and affection, Mom taught children with disabilities to swim for 16 years at the YMCA. In 1975, Mom and Dad headed with their family to the West Coast, first making their home in Kirkland for several years. Mom was a manager at a retirement community where she was adored by the staff and residents. Then they moved to Eugene for a few years.

After Dad retired, they relished many adventures in their RV, as “snow birds” in Palm Desert and as cross country explorers. They finally moved to Mercer Island and lived there for 17 years. They were members of the Evergreen Covenant Church. Mom shined with deep Christian faith and always enjoyed participating in community Bible studies. Always an enthusiastic and active person, Mom always took great pleasure in participating in each of her children’s interests and activities, hospital volunteer work, modeling, sewing, gourmet cooking, gardening, reading, camping, travel and cheering on the Huskies and Seahawks with her family. Dad, her 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren were Mom’s biggest blessings on earth.

Mom is survived by her children David (Carolyn), Tom (Lee), Suzanne Hansen (John) and daughter-in-law, Randi; grandchildren Matthew, Todd, JT, Lucas, Rachel, Jacob (Kaitlin) Gobeille and Nicholas Hansen; great grandchildren Madeline, Amelia and Alonzo Gobeille; her sister, Betty Steele and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, and her beloved son, Scott (Randi.)

Carol was always selfless, full of grace, strong and resilient. And she showed great faith, courage and dignity in her last several years after suffering debilitating strokes. But she managed to communicate with and show love and affection to our family and friends through her gentle touch, beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes. There will be a joyous celebration of her life on Saturday, February 9th at 2pm in the Fellowship Hall at Covenant Shores on Mercer Island.

Remembrances may be made to the Special Olympics and the American Stroke Association.