Carol Brewster Ramsey Gaskin

Carol Brewster Ramsey Gaskin, 82, was born on December 22, 1934 to Vivian and Bernard Ramsey of Lake George, NY, and passed quietly in the first hours of August 5, 2017. She graduated from Lake George High School in 1952, and from New York State University at Plattsburg in 1956. Carol taught Home Economics for one year before marrying Patrick Gaskin in 1957, then moved with him to Arizona and California before settling in Bellevue, Washington. She and Patrick divorced in 1980.

Carol gave birth to three daughters, Darlene Elizabeth (Liz), Michele Diane, and Suzanne Melanie. They and their children have been the greatest pride and joy of her life. Her favorite gift from them was a hot air balloon ride for her 50th birthday, ensuing in a life-long love for hot air balloon art.

Active in Camp Fire, Carol was Group Leader for her daughters' groups as they grew up. She was active as a counselor at Hans Jensen Day Camp, where she went by "Hatchet Lady", teaching knots and campfire building skills, and volunteered at work parties at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island. She later joined Camp Fire as the Eastside Office Store Manager and Secretary. She was valued throughout the Seattle-King County Camp Fire Girls & Boys organization for her knowledge and skills.

At home, Carol was an avid reader, participating eagerly in family conversations about local and world events. Her later mobility was limited by her Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuromuscular atrophy, but she always kept a positive attitude for life. Known as Nana to her grandchildren, she especially enjoyed family gatherings with them for birthdays and holidays.

Carol is pre-deceased by her brother Bernard (Bud) Ramsey, and is survived by her two sisters, Marilyn Smith of Bolton Landing, NY, and Barbara Adsit of Hood River, OR. She is also survived by her three daughters, Liz Quayle (Doug Breithaupt), Michele King (Jeff), and Suzanne Whitbeck (Ron Winter), all of the Puget Sound area; six grandchildren, Amanda, Wendy, Courtney, Samantha, Rachel, and Taylor; great-grandson, Eljin; and six 'step' grand- and great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life events for Carol will be held on Sunday, September 10, 3:30 pm, at Hans Jensen Group Camp in Issaquah, and on Sunday, October 15, 2:00 pm at Conservation Park in Bolton Landing, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Fire Central Puget Sound (campfireseattle.org), or to CMT Research (www.cmtausa.org).