Mary Celia Carter Gregory passed away Sunday, June 23, 2013 at The Village at the Harbour, Friday Harbor, Wash., at the age of 96. She had been a Village resident for the past five years.

Celia was born Nov. 2, 1916 to Cecil and Laura (Sargent) Carter and spent almost her entire life living in Friday Harbor. She was very proud of her island heritage and loved living on the island. She was the last living sibling of the Cecil Carter family having been preceded in death by brothers Gordon, Neil and Alan.

Celia spent her childhood growing up in Friday Harbor, surrounded by family who had been on the island for two generations. She enjoyed telling stories of island experiences, particularly time spent at the Carter Beach cabin with her brothers, or the “boys”, as she called them.

She was very happy to relate her experience working for her dad at the San Juan County Bank and spoke often about the respect she had for her mother’s dedication and hard work, raising four active children. She had many good stories of happy family times.

Celia graduated valedictorian of her class in 1934 from Friday Harbor High School and went on to further her education at the University of Washington. It was at the university where she and her (now deceased) husband, Robert Gregory, became soul mates and were later married in Friday Harbor on Sept. 7, 1941.

Following the wedding, she and Robert lived in the Seattle area for a short time. They returned to Friday Harbor in 1947 and began raising their own family. Her two daughters survive her: Pamela (John) Rogers of Friday Harbor, and Leslie (Allen) Hyko of Bellingham. She leaves behind four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Corinne (Alan Carter), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Celia was a life-long member of the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church. She was active in the local medical guild, garden club and played in many of the local bridge groups. She also loved to play golf and had many enjoyable days on the golf course. She and Robert were active in the yacht club and spent many years cruising the island waters and Canadian islands with the two girls and friends.

The family wishes to recognize and thank the staff at the Village at the Harbour for their wonderful care and support for the last five years, particularly the last three weeks. You were wonderful!

We would also like to recognize and thank the San Juan Healthcare staff (Dr. Gossom) and the Hospice San Juan for their kind support.

There will be a private graveside service and a public memorial service, the times to be announced later.

— Family of Mary Gregory