Carolyn Rae O’Brine

Carolyn was born in Bellingham, Washington, on December 1st, 1949, to Thomas Pliny and Ella Anona Snyder. She is survived by her husband Craig of 52 years, their sons, Patrick and Christopher, and their wives, Stephanie and Nicole, nine grandchildren: Aidan, Karis, Anya, Gwynna, Dolan, Brenden, Cillan, Grant, and Teagan, as well as Carolyn's twin sister, Marilyn and her family.

Carolyn grew up on the banks of Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington. Spending her childhood summers on the lake developed a lifelong love of the water and water sports, and she became an avid water skier for most of her life. Later, she would teach her children how to water ski on their family boat on the lakes near Yakima. As a teenager, she became involved with the youth group at "The Firs" church in Bellingham, where she later married Craig. Her junior high and high school years were spent babysitting and picking strawberries and raspberries to earn money for school clothes.

She had a true passion for helping children grow and reach their full potential. No place was this more evident than the 30 years she spent working in the West Valley School District, where she put her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree from Central Washington University to use, helping in the Special Education Department. When she wasn't in the classroom, she volunteered as a leader in the AWANA program at Memorial Bible Church in Gleed, Washington.

Carolyn hated to be idle. She spent many summers traveling, making it to 34 of the 50 states, as well as trips to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, and numerous European countries. When she wasn't traveling, she spent time with her family hiking the trails around Yakima and supporting her children in their sports and academic endeavors. She remained active late into her life, until her battle with Alzheimer's no longer allowed her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will be happily welcomed home into the arms of her Savior after a life well lived!