Tarry Louise (Clifton) Lindquist

Tarry Louise (Clifton) Lindquist of Tulalip, WA, passed away quietly at home surrounded by family July 14, 2014 after succumbing to the effects of Lewys Body Dementia. From Umatilla Watermelon Queen to National Social Studies Teacher of the Year, Tarry’s life took many unexpected and joy-filled turns.

Born in Aberdeen, WA, May 20, 1940, Tarry graduated from Weston High School before entering Central Washington to study drama and education. Following her graduation with a teaching certificate, Tarry married Malcolm Lindquist in 1962. With a Master’s in hand Tarry and Malcolm began a 14-year adventure working in the South Pacific. Her experiences on the island of Kosrae (which she and Malcolm chronicled in their book “Letters from the Sleeping Lady”) forever shaped her life. After working and raising their daughter’s Tia and Tani on the islands of Pohnpei and Niue, Tarry and family moved to Mercer Island, WA, to live and work.

Tarry taught in the Mercer Island School District for over 20 years, ending her career as a 5th grade teacher at Lakeridge. Tarry believed kids learned best by doing. From her wax museums to her space bubbles Tarry will be remembered for her innovative approaches to education and her absolute passion for teaching.

During her teaching career, Tarry acted as President of the Washington State Council for the Social Studies, presented to hundreds of educators across the nation and in Belize, Singapore and Canada as an expert in integrated education and received multiple awards and recognitions for her outstanding educational leadership. Tarry also published three educational texts which are still in publication.

Tarry will be terribly missed by Malcolm, her daughter’s Tia Lindquist (Mark Figueredo), Tani Lindquist (Bruce Siqueland), granddaughter’s Taylor, Taryn, and Harriet, her sister’s Robin Goss (Bill), Candice Bowman (Levi), and Nikki Clifton, and her close extended family. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Lelooska Foundation PO Box 526, Ariel, WA 98603. A celebration of life will be held August 9 at Spee-Bi-Dah from 1-3. For more information email TarrySalmonWoman@gmail.com.