Obituary of Carol Hansen Eaton
Carol Patricia Hanssen Eaton
December 26, 1934 ~ August 25, 2023
Sassy, Cute, Stubborn, Shy, Teacher, Learner, Swimmer, Survivor, Tenacious, Athlete,
Chardonnay enthusiast, Nurse, Mystery/Crime novel aficionado, Husky fan, Kraken follower,
Wife, Mother, Grandma.
Carol was born to pioneering families. Her Mother, Esther (Carlson) Cornelius was raised on a
farm in Alder, Washington. Her Father, Maynard Hansen was raised in Seattle’s Leschi
neighborhood. Her paternal Grandfather was an original founding member of the Sons of
Norway on the Pacific Coast. A proud “Svorsk,” Carol ensured the garden pole flew both the
Swedish and Norwegian flags, except during Husky Football season, of course.
Following graduation from Garfield High, Carol entered the University of Washington. She
pledged Alpha Chi Omega and studied Nursing. While at UW, Carol met Robert “Bob” Eaton on
a blind date, after which he drove Carol home, realizing they lived only a block from one
another. Bob soon proposed during Spring Break of 1957, and they married later that summer.
Carol taught school until the arrival of her first child, Elise. Marcie was born 3 years later.
Three more times Carol returned to UW renewing her teaching certification, obtaining her RN
and then BSN. She was a school nurse for the Seattle School District until her retirement.
Carol poured her heart into raising her two daughters, exposing them to diverse cultures, the
arts, sports and how to navigate a Nordstrom department store. Her loving partnership with
Bob brought them both joy and adventure until his death in 2016.
A two time breast cancer survivor, she completed the Susan G. Komen Triathlon at the age of 64
representing Team Survivor while still undergoing cancer treatment. She is featured in Dr. Julie
Gralow’s book Breast Health. Swimming and yoga became and continued to be great passions
of her life. She collected quotes, and one of her favorites was from Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one
can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Carol is survived by her two daughters Elise (Brett) Borden and Marcie Eaton. Special thanks to Evergreen Home Health, Dispatch Health, UW NW Hospital, South County Fire Station #16, Atisha Paulson and Negeset Tewelde.
A celebration of Carol’s amazing life will be held at 3PM on Sunday, October 1st at Edmonds Center for the Arts. All are welcome.
For anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory, please give to Wags to Riches Animal Rescue & Sanctuary https://wagstorichesanimalrescue.org
