Carolyn Grace Brissenden Harris

Carolyn was born to Carrol and Opal Brissenden on July 27, 1940 in Portland, Oregon. She spent her first two years in Portland until her father joined the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. While he served our country, Carolyn and her mother moved to Clay City, Illinois to live on the family farm. After the war, her family moved back to Portland where Carolyn's brother Richard was born. Carolyn had a wonderful and active childhood, graduating in 1958 from Wilson High School.

She attended Oregon State University, joined the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and graduated with a teaching degree. She met her future husband, Ward Harris, while he worked as a houseboy in her sorority. After Carolyn and Ward married in 1961, they remained in Corvallis, OR and later moved to St. Louis, MO. She taught elementary school in both of these cities over a period of 8 years. They moved to Seattle in 1969 and settled in Bellevue in 1971 where they raised their two children.

Carolyn was active in her community, the PTSA, and above all, her children's activities. No matter the endeavor, Carolyn was always her kids' biggest supporter. She spent countless hours driving to and attending their swim meets, basketball games, and practices for nearly 20 years. When her children attended secondary school, Carolyn returned to work part-time for a greeting card company and was promoted several times over her 17 years of employment. Over the last 10+ years she became a valued employee for Bartell Drugs. She and Ward divorced in 1998, but remained good friends.

Carolyn was blessed with four grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She always enjoyed attending and following their athletic and academic pursuits. Carolyn also loved watching Seattle sports teams, listening to KIRO radio, and tracing her family's genealogy. She passed away October 16, 2015 and will be remembered for her smile, wit, supportive and caring nature, quiet strength, and above all, her love for family. She was a wonderful, A+ mom, and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by children Kirk Harris (Sophie) and Annette Harris Kempf (Matthew); grandchildren Drew and Sam Harris, Elias and Audrey Kempf; brother Richard Brissenden (Debbie); and numerous cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Swedish Hospital oncology center for the excellent care she received during her illness.

Memorial service will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Bellevue, Washington; on Friday, October 30, 2015, 1:00pm

Online memorial at

www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to a cause close to your heart.