Passing: Carol Marble

A couple of days ago, Tracy Roberson let me know her mom, Carol, had passed away peacefully at her home on the evening of March 18, 2012 after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Carol did so much for the island that the list is long & the thanks could probably never be enough – she did what so many of us would only hope to do – she left San Juan Island a much, much better place. We’re all going to miss her…here’s a writeup of her life, from the family:

Carol Marble

Carol Ellen Dockstader Marble passed peacefully in her home on the evening of March 18 having battled the debilitating lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Carol’s faith in God and her commitment to making a difference for people in need have been guiding forces in her life. Her positive spirit and joy for life was an inspiration for those she loved and touched in her community.

Born in Everett, Washington on Christmas day, 1942 to Albert and Dorothye Dockstader, Carol loved to sing and play the violin. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1961 and attended Willamette University on a music scholarship where she sang with the traveling choir; she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority; and was elected Willamette’s Associated Women’s President. After graduation in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Carol drove coast-to-coast around the United States with college friends before returning to Seattle to begin her career as a Case Worker for the State Public Assistance Department.

She met Dale Marble in Seattle and on August 18, 1966, they eloped to Coeur d’Alene Idaho to be married followed by a move to Dale’s hometown of Friday Harbor to start their family. Soon the city girl was living on Mitchell Bay gardening, caring for farm animals, and raising daughters Christy and Tracy.

As the girls headed off to college, Carol pursued community activities as an outlet for her desire to do something meaningful. Carol recognized the need in San Juan County for help in growing the skills and abilities of non-profits and boards, and local volunteer based programs. Working with Skagit Valley College’s newly formed San Juan campus in the early 1990s, she helped develop the Volunteer program and coordinate community college workshops encouraging volunteerism and non-profit management. She also developed a Service Learning class and curriculum, and many community workshops, teaching some herself, bringing in well-known trainers for others.

Carol served as a founding board member for several local organizations including the San Juan Island Celebrity Golf Classic, San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan Island Family Resource Center, Leadership San Juan Islands, and United Way of San Juan County. She was also an Elder at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church and a member of the San Juan County Health and Safety Network. In recognition of her work, she was appointed to the Washington State Council on Volunteerism and Community Service and served as president of that state board for several years.

Over the years Dale and Carol enjoyed many wintertime adventures including cruising the west coast of Mexico, the US and Canada in their 49’ pleasure boat, SILVER SEA; sailing in Florida and the Bahamas in their 38’ sailboat PLEIADES; and traveling the southwest and Mexico by RV. Most recently, they enjoyed river cruising in Europe, and exploring Italy with their children and grandchildren.

The most treasured part of Carol’s life has been the time she has spent with her four precious grandchildren, Dylan Roberson, Nicholas Roberson, and twins, Skylar and Teagan Burkhart. Carol is survived by husband Dale Marble, daughter Tracy Roberson (Jeff) and grand children Dylan and Nicholas of Friday Harbor, Daughter Christy Marble (Joe Burkhart) and grandchildren Teagan and Skylar of Woodinville, her sister Harriet “Skip” Dockstader of Bellevue, cousin Bob Dockstader of Federal Way, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Carol and her family remain eternally grateful to the dear friends and neighbors who generously and selflessly shared their time, support and love when it was needed most.

At Carol’s request there will be no memorial service; a celebration of her life will be scheduled by family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Carol’s name to United Way of San Juan County (PO Box 3181, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250)

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