Charmian Gladys Elliott

Charmian (known as Charm) was born in Seattle on March 29, 1934 to Bertram and Viola Rivenburgh. She was an only child but grew up with loving parents and grandparents. She attended Franklin High School and later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology at University of Washington. She met her husband Tom while working in the Sequoia National Park rangers’ station, and they married Sept. 9, 1955 in the Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Tom’s education and jobs had them moving frequently during their first fifteen years of marriage but they eventually settled in Port Angeles, WA in 1970. Charm was active in local politics and church organizations throughout the 70’s and 80’s while also singing in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church. She made her career with the Port Angeles school district in several different schools working as a Great Books reading specialist, playground lady and with developmentally disabled preschool children. She loved the ocean so after retirement they moved to Copalis Beach WA where they lived for a number of years, and most recently they lived in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle where she enjoyed watching the ship and ferry traffic on Elliott Bay.

Charm loved to entertain guests, go on sightseeing trips and adventures and tell stories about her life. Her home was always open to her children’s friends and was often the neighborhood hangout. She was an avid collector of art and other collectibles and loved decorating for different seasons and holidays. She loved being with her children and grandchildren (and their friends) and never forgot to send birthday and holiday greetings to everyone she knew. People will remember her for her warm greetings and engaging conversations.

Charm was a member of the following organizations at different points of her life,

Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and alumni, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood ,Port Angeles PTA, League of Women’s Voters, Campfire Girls.

Charm is survived by her husband, Thomas Elliott and her children Dale Elliott, Darian (Elliott) Raras, Kevin Elliott, Kara Elliott; grandchildren Danielle Elliott, Deanna (Elliott) Kuzaro, River, Trevor and Marissa Raras, Sinclair Elliott, Sam and Josh Lavin; great grandchildren Drew, Trey, Kolt and Kate Kuzaro, and Aries Istari.

There will be a memorial service at Seattle North Stake Center on August 25th at 1 PM. Address is:

5701 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Charmian’s remains are interned at Acacia Memorial Park in Seattle.