Katherine DeEtta Carter

Katherine Carter (Katy) passed away Thursday, November 12 surrounded by her family. Katherine was born November 9, 1959 in Vallejo, CA. Two years ago Katherine was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). During her valiant fight to live, she demonstrated to many her determination to live each day as a blessing from God.

Katherine grew up in the Napa Valley of California. Her fondest moments as a child were spent at her Dad’s cabin in the Sierra Mountains, swimming off the dock, camp fires, and sleeping on the deck under the stars. In 1977 she graduated from high school in Astoria, Oregon. In 1981 she received her BA degree from Willamette University and became an admissions counselor for Idaho State University. Her next move was to Salem, Oregon working for State Farm Insurance as an underwriter and claims adjuster.

Katy married William Carter in 1987 and were blessed with two children (Maxson and Madeline). They resided in the Portland area later moving to Tumwater where they raised their children. As a family they enjoyed camping trips with extended family and friends, frequent visits to her Father’s cabin, ATV excursions at the beach, and precious time on the water under sail or power. Every New Year’s Day Katy would make the first waterski run of the year regardless of conditions. While living in Portland, the family was active in Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church during which Katy served on the Church Council and led the children’s education programs. Katy continued to gift St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey with her teaching children skills upon their move to Tumwater.

Katy was an advocate for life-long learning and embrace every opportunity to be both student and teacher. After the family’s relocation to Tumwater, WA in 1996, Katy began volunteering in the classroom at Michael T. Simmons Elementary where she started the Passport Club program and the PTO organization. She qualified as an emergency substitute teacher and acted in that capacity for several years. In 2003 Katy returned to the classroom as a student, attending Saint Martin’s University, and there received her teaching certification. Katy became a full time teacher at Tumwater Middle School where she taught math and developed class curriculum to challenge gifted students. In 2009, Katy became one of the first teachers at her school to receive National Board Certification.

Katy loved basketball and attended all of Maxson and Madeline’s games as they grew up. She coached competitive girls’ basketball and several middle school teams. She was always an advocate for the underdog and loved to work with JV teams. Katy also loved to travel. She was an exchange student to the outback of Australia when in high school. As a result of her experience as an exchange student, the Carter family hosted an exchange student from Belgium in 2011, Manon Koeune. Manon became another one of her children. Katy was able to visit Manon’s family and to travel Europe with them.

During Katy’s ten short years as faculty member at Tumwater Middle School she touched many lives, both students and fellow teachers. She possessed a unique ability to help students transition to middle school. She loved working with students individually helping them grasp the concepts of mathematics. She frequently identified kids struggling with math and coached them in mastering the concepts. Many of her former students would later reflect saying that Mrs. Carter’s math class was the turning point in their K-12 education. Students who had given up being able to learn math became her personal challenge. Through Katy’s commitment and personal attention, confidence was instilled in students as they transitioned from middle school to high school. Katy’s determination to understand and connect with every student was tireless.

Katy was a great collaborator. She felt that working with her fellow teachers improved her own teaching skills. She also felt strongly about steering students into community service projects and encouraging them to take leadership roles. She was never more proud than seeing her students plan and implement a project, learning the power of giving, and of collaborating with others.

In late 2013, Katy had to leave the classroom, and a few months later was diagnosed with ALS. Her courage and positive attitude continued to shine even as she struggled with this dreadful disease. Katy cherished her friendships and understood the true meaning of being a friend. As much as Katy loved teaching, her students and fellow teachers, her heart lie with her children Maxson and Madeline and her husband Bill.

Katherine is survived by her husband Bill of 28 years, children Maxson, 25, and Madeline, 22. Her Mother, Wendy Lo Monaco of Olympia, WA and her Father, Edward Parish (Jeannie) of Benicia, CA, sister Suzanne McKay (Mitch) of Imperial Beach, CA, brother Craig Parish (Dianna) of Seattle, WA, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also to survive Katherine’s passing together were a host of dear friends some of whom have found refuge in the Carter home.

A memorial service to celebrate Katy’s life will be Saturday, November 28, 1:00 p.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Katherine D. Scholarship, c/o Tumwater Education Foundation, PO Box 15122, Tumwater, WA 98511-5122.