Carolyn Lavonne Aadland, 87, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2016, in Centralia, Wash. She was a longtime resident of Centralia.
Carolyn was born in De Smet, S.D. (the little town on the Prairie) Sept. 29, 1929, to Earl and Carrie (Larson) McGarvie. She grew up on the family farm in De Smet and graduated from De Smet High School.
In 1951, she graduated from Yankton College in South Dakota, with a teaching certificate and Spanish degree. Carolyn began her teaching career in Ainsworth, Neb., and after a year went on to teach high school in Madison, S.D., where she met fellow teacher, Gordon Aadland, her husband of 59 years, (teacher and public information officer at Centralia College). They married in 1954, and moved to Rainier, Ore., in 1955. Two years later they moved to Centralia, Wash.
Carolyn taught English and Spanish at Centralia High School for 25 years. She will be remembered as a caring and dedicated teacher and a mentor to many of her students. In retirement, she volunteered at Providence Centralia Hospital in Centralia and maintained her strong connections with a circle of loyal and longtime friends, with whom she enjoyed lunches and bridge games. She was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia and was active in church and community charitable projects. Carolyn enjoyed reading, gardening, hosting many holiday meals and treating her family and friends to her signature lefse. She was known by her family for her quick wit and humor.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon in 2013; brother, Donald McGarvie of Pennsylvania; and sister, Lorraine Mayer of Marysville, Wash.
She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Aadland of Centralia; sister, Lois Van Slyke of Shelton, Wash.; grandnieces, Meredith Kandoll and Cara Appel; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Sharon Care Center for their wonderful care and support during Carolyn's illness.
A memorial service will be held Dec. 30, 2016, at 11 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia.
