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Memorial Candle Tribute From
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Memorial Candle Tribute From
Christopher Olson & Jonathan Ruskin
"In loving memory of Carol "Kay" Gordon, a deeply beautiful and truly kind human "
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Obituary for Carol "Kay" Gordon

Carol "Kay"  Gordon
Carol Esther Swenson Gordon, known as Kay, peacefully passed away at home on June 6, 2016, at age 86.
She was born to Harry and Blanche Swenson on August 13, 1929 in Elma, WA. Kay grew up on the family dairy farm in Malone, Washington, with her two sisters, June and Janet. Kay was the middle child. Growing up during the depression, farm life was stringent yet full of family fun, practical jokes, and Sunday picnics with extended family. She had many aunts and uncles, lots of cousins. Everyone enjoyed time spent together, often at Shafer and Twanoh State Parks. Like father, like daughter, Kay was proud to wear her 50-year pin for membership in the Sharon Grange.
After graduation from Elma High School, she attended College of Puget Sound, now University of Puget Sound, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. Throughout her time at CPS she shared her lovely alto voice in the renowned Adelphian Concert Choir. Choir tours were a highlight. Her college friendships continued throughout her life.
After college, she returned to Malone to work in the Elma Hospital and for Exxon. Renewing her lifetime friendship with Robert (Bob) L. Gordon, they dated and married December 29, 1954. Bob and Kay lived in numerous places: Lincoln, NE; Malone, WA; Lakewood, WA; Anchorage, AK; and Wichita Falls, TX. They settled in Lakewood with their four children Jan, Anne, Rob, and Charlie.
Life in Lakewood was full of school activities with four children. Kay never missed a single musical performance of her children—which meant many band, orchestra, and choir concerts from 1970 to 1981. She was a proud mom! After her early years of belonging to the Elma Methodist Church, Kay was confirmed Episcopalian and became an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She joined the choir, Women of St. Mary’s, and the Altar Guild and served the church for over 50 years singing at services, making cookies for coffee hour and receptions, baking communion bread, sorting items for the rummage sales, polishing brass, and maintaining the altar. Her time and talents were freely, devotedly offered as contributions to the beautiful spirit of her church.
Kay retired from a long career of Civil Service at Madigan Army Medical Center in January 1996. She began her career as the assistant secretary to the Chief of OB-GYN and then moved to the secretary of the Chief of Logistics. She was recognized for her exceptional typing skills—90+ words per minute without errors. She developed cherished life-long friendships during her years at MAMC.
Kay leaves a large group of extended family and friends who will miss her warm, open hospitality and family stories shared around the kitchen table … a favorite spot for all. She is survived by her children, Jan Pearson (Alan), Anne Bourgeois (Steve), Rob Gordon and Charlie Gordon (Simone).
Family and friends are invited to share Kay’s memory and celebrate her life on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood WA. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mary Bridge Brigade 253-403-1427 or St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 253-588-6621 in Kay’s name are deeply appreciated.
Thank you for visiting and please share your stories and memories for our family to treasure.
Love, Jan, Anne, Rob, and Charlie

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