Lavinia Belle Carpenter

Lavinia Belle Carpenter was born at Tulalip, Washington, October 31, 1933 to Phillip and Katherine Contraro. Brought into the world by her grandmother, Sarah Sheldon, using a lantern to guide her. Lavinia learned responsibility as a big sister, helping with the laundry, cooking, and sewing. Taking odd jobs to purchase needed items.

Lavinia married Loyal"Terry" Carpenter, and as a naval wife traveled to different ports, including to Japan. They settled in Pico Rivera and raised their children: Alan, Vernon, Mark, and Angela. As a stay-at-home mom, she supplemented income by doing ironing and seamstress work. She also enjoyed bargain hunting at garage sales and flea markets.

The family returned to Tulalip. She started working for the Tulalip Tribes as a receptionist in March of 1976. She worked her way up to Finance Manager. After 38 years, she retired.

Spending her time reading, playing bingo and slots, and enjoying family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Loyal Carpenter, sons Alan and Mark Carpenter. Siblings Phillip Contraro, Roger Contraro, Carrol Contraro, George Contraro, Mary Lindell, and Anna Tucker. Grandchildren Vernon, Michael, and Joseph Carpenter.

She is survived by her children Vernon Carpenter and Angela Carpenter, grandchildren Travis Carpenter, Dillon (Patience) Carpenter, Loyal Carpenter, Jarrel Carpenter, Jess (Trenton) Rogers, Coralyne Rose, Marou (Owen and Cass) Carpenter, Sub Carpenter, Alan Carpenter-Bissell. Siblings Phyllis Bradley, Vi Arpryazhka, Patricia Contraro, Arthur Contraro, Robert Contraro, and Helene Contraro.

Services (she wanted a party) will beJune 13, 2026 at 10:00am at Tulalip Gathering Hall 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Wa 98271