Carol Lynne Collins (nee Rockafield) was born on March 4, 1946 in Burien, Washington to Kathryn and Neil Rockafield. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at May Valley Golden Age adult family home on October 25, 2023. Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
Carol graduated from Highline High School and the University of Washington, where she got a degree in education and her teaching certificate. Before she graduated, she did student teaching for the Renton School District where she found a permanent assignment teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades for 30 years. While in college she continued her interest in playing the cello under the tutelage of the highly acclaimed Eva Heinitz.
While a summer-hire employee at the Boeing Company, she met her future husband William Collins. They married on August 9, 1968. Together they raised two children, Laura and Eric as well as enjoying local northwest hiking and traveling. Carol was an avid reader, especially of historic novels. She was also avid collector of classical music as well as being a listening member of the Seattle Symphony. In her retirement she spent time enjoying gardening around their 115-year-old Renton home.
Carol is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Bill, her daughter Laura, her son Eric, her brothers Neil Rockafield Jr, David Rockafield, sister Shirley Lakey, and her grandchildren Collin and Brandon Loftus, and Marlow Collins.
Carol’s ashes will be kept with the family until Bill joins in their interment at the Tahoma National Cemetery. Per Carol’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.
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