Carol Stevens

Carol Severson Stevens

December 19, 1923 — May 6, 2015

At age 91, Carol passed away in Friday Harbor, Wash., on May 6, 2015.

Carol was born on Waldron Island in the family’s homestead home on Dec. 19, 1923. She was the youngest of five children born to John and Margaret Severson.

Because Carol and her best friend, Alice Johnson Gordon, were the only two students attending the Waldron school, they advanced through school ahead of schedule, graduating at age 12.

At this young age, Carol left her safe haven to attend the Chemawa Boarding School in Salem, Ore. After completing a one-year post-graduate business course, Carol accepted a job in Toppenish, Wash.

After working in Toppenish for three years, she met Leslie Stevens, who was on home leave from the Yukon. After they married their plan was to return to the Yukon, however, the Canadian government denied re-entry to U S workers. From there, they moved instead to San Rafael, Calif. They both easily found employment during this World War II era.

Upon receiving a letter from Waldron Island family asking for their help with Carol’s ailing father, they moved to Waldron Island. From Waldron, they moved to Port Angeles, Wash., and remained there until 1962.

These were beautiful years spent hiking, camping and thoroughly enjoying life in the Olympic Peninsula. Also, the commute to Waldron Island from Port Angeles via Roy Franklin’s air service was pure magic.

The year of the Seattle World’s Fair, they moved to Seattle where they remained until they retired back to Waldron Island in the ‘70s. After Leslie’s passing, Carol split her time between Waldron Island and Seattle every year until her health declined just a few years ago.

Carol is survived by daughter Joy Stevens Sevier (Dennis), grandsons Marc (Maria) and Brooke Sevier, great granddaughters Ellye and Louisa Sevier.

Preceding her in death were husband Leslie, brothers Gilbert, Elmer, and Al, sister Lorna, and her parents, John and Margaret Severson.

Her wish is to be buried in the Waldron Cemetery joining her beloved family. A quiet celebration of her life will take place this summer on Waldron Island.

The family wishes to thank all caregivers at The Village at the Harbour for their tender care.

— Family of Carol Stevens