Carolyn Schwager

Carolyn Colby Lamson Schwager

peacefully passed away on Feb 24, 2009. Carolyn was born in Seattle, Washington on May 17, 1918, the daughter of William and Alice Colby. She will be remembered for her enduring optimism, her devotion to friends and family and the grace with which she faced life's tragedies.

Carolyn attended Garfield High School and the University of Washington. She joined the Delta Gamma sorority, served as an ASUW officer and graduated from the UW in 1939.

Carolyn had the good fortune to love and be loved by two good men. In 1942, she married UW and Garfield classmate, Otis F. Lamson, Jr., a dedicated engineer, skier and sailor. Carolyn shared Otis' love of the mountains and waters of the Pacific Northwest. Together they had five children, moving their young family to Mercer Island in 1950. They raised their family, built a successful manufacturing business, Lamson Products Company, and partnered in the design and construction of a legendary sloop, the "Sea Fever". They were active in skiing and sailing communities, activities that they enthusiastically shared with their children and friends.

After Otis' death in 1972, Carolyn married John A. Schwager, of Seattle, an independent real estate businessman and avid golfer. John had recently lost his beloved first wife, Dorothy (Hemphill). Carolyn and John found solace with each other and embraced an active, adventurous life while they shared the joys of grandchildren and their first great grandchild.

Throughout her lifetime, Carolyn remained active in numerous community organizations including the Dr. Charles B. Ford Children's Hospital Guild, the Phoebe Foundation, an independent philanthropic group, the Garden Club Arboretum Unit #18, the Women's University Club and chorus and the Delta Gamma sorority. (New Paragraph)

Carolyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Otis F. Lamson, her sons Donnie and Norrie, and her five siblings.

Carolyn is survived by her husband John A. Schwager, her children Gloria Lamson of Pt. Townsend, Christine Lamson (Patrick Gordon) of Seattle, and Charles Lamson (Alberta) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, John's children, Dr. Steven Schwager (Annie) of Bainbridge Island, Bruce Schwager (Christine) of Whidbey Island, John Schwager, Jr. (Maria) of Bellevue, ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild, much loved nieces, and extended family members. (New Paragraph)