Carol Wahto Hall
January 25, 1950 - July 14, 2020
Obituary
Our family lost its sweetest, kindest and most clever girl after a short, brutal battle with cancer.
She was born in Seattle and lived life mostly in the northwest near her family. Her mid-career business degree was a great accomplishment while juggling demands of a purchasing manager in the forest products industry. She enjoyed annual trips to Hawaii to visit her parents during winter respites and then made her home there for several years. Upon retirement she lived on Whidbey Island with her widowed mother before returning to the Seattle area where she lived since 2008.
She had a good eye for eclectic interior design (including a knack for finding the coolest stuff at thrift stores), a good ear for piano, a reasonable backhand for tennis but most of all an extraordinary, generous heart for her family and pets.
Preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Geraldine Wahto, brother Gerald and sister-in-law Roseann and treasured pets Dasher (ferret), Bugsy and Ole (Shih Tzus). Survived by son Jason (Tess) Wittler, grandson Keyland (Reva) Wittler to whom she was ever devoted. Also, brother Andrew (Roseann deceased) Wahto and sister Barbara (Rod) Nuss.
She shared her time and love generously with her siblings in recent years. It was a blessing for all to be so close. We will celebrate her life forever and begin so with photos and memories so please share them here with us on this site.
Donations in her honor can be made to Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation at waifanimals.org.
Amazing talents:
- Musician – Studied diligently as a child and was a talented classical pianist at an early age. Self-taught guitar as a teen.
- Dancer – Ballet, tap and jazz ensemble member Turner Dance, Burien.
- Tennis Player – Glacier High School varsity team 1967-68. Continued playing for fun and at tennis clinics until her late 40’s when her back and shoulders said, “no more.”
- Skier – Very pretty skier, preferring Queen’s Run to any double diamond.
- Angler – Frequently caught the biggest fish, much to the chagrin of the men in her life.
- Shopper – Shocking what she could find for a bargain at St. Vincent de Paul or Value Village. Bargain hunting hobbyist.
- Decorator – Every room well-appointed with art and curios. Amazing arrangement of life’s little treasures, mementos and photos, of which she had many.
- Gardener – Gorgeous eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries in this year’s garden.
- Gift Giver and Package Wrapper – None more thoughtful, beautiful or creative.
- Greeting Card Writer – Family and friends looked forward to her hand-crafted cards for Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Favorites:
- Favorite music – classic rock, right to the very end
- Favorite movie genre – super-hero action
- Favorite TV show – Star Trek (the original, of course)
- Favorite food – pie for breakfast
Please add a note to Carol’s guest book to share your memories of her.
I’m still shocked to have lost the best sister in the world. Too young to leave us. Love one another as our tomorrows are not guaranteed.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Barb. What a precious gift to have such a special sister! Praying for peace and comfort now and in days to come.
Carol, my amazing mother-in-law, was generous, loving and creative, and I am blessed to have been loved and welcomed by her into the family. We never lived close to her geographically, and yet we always felt close to her. From talking classic rock and Marvel movies to hearing about her adventures on the moped and with her doggies, she was an integrual part of our lives – every week.
Her life was cut way too short, and I am still in shock. But I will always treasure every visit, every phone call … every thing she taught and gave us. RIP Mom. We love you so very much.
Such kind words Tess, she was very blessed to have you as her daughter in law
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. Mya Angelou”. What a beautiful memorial that was written here for Carol. Another of our beloved Glacier Grizzle High School Alumni has left this earth. My Sincere condolences for your loss. Cindy Kipling Smalley
We only knew here briefly but I will remember her sense of humor and love of life.
Our tears and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Shocking and sad to lose someone who is perpetually young in my mind. Kindest wishes for her family.
What wonder photos and family memories. Thank you for sharing them
Thank you, cousin.
So very sorry for the family and friends great loss. Prayers for you all.
Brian Costello
Carol Wahto was a fellow student in my 6th grade class at Cedarhurst elementary school back in 1961 and 62. I remember Carol as a bright, enthusiastic person. One could not help but like Carol. She was one of our teacher’s favorite students too. During sharing time, she had some interesting things to show us like her father’s diligently compiled scrapbook of World War II news events and a Japanese officer’s samurai sword which he acquired during the war.
I lost contact with Carol when we all went to junior high school the following year. Some people in our class, like me, got sent to Puget Sound Junior High while others got sent to Sunset Junior High next to Glacier High School. I’m truly sorry to hear of Carol’s passing away. My condolences and best wishes to her family and relatives.
Dear Cousin Carol Wishing you Fairwinds and following seas 🙏🥰
Thanks for these positive thoughts!
Janice and David Kutz
Janice and David Kutz
Janice and David Kitz
The picture of her next to the Blues Brothers car is one of my favorites because it was taken during a trip we made together to universal studios CA. I was in So Cal in business and she came down to join me for the weekend. Went to theme parks and La Brea Tar Pits. Special trip just the two of us.
I was heartbroken to see in the paper this morning of Carol passing, especially for Jason, Barbara and Andy. Too much loss in such a short time. I have known the entire Wahto family since I was in kindergarten. I was accepted as friend , companion, almost family. I spent time nearly every day hanging around with this whole crazy, funny and loving family. I loved you all as if you were my own family. We are not able to be together, but my heart remains with you all.
Thanks Richard. I was hoping you would see the announcement in the Times. We are so sad to lose her. Who would have thought when we got to this point in life it would be me and ANDY left! We are blessed to be so close as the family has always been. We appreciate you for being a part of it all those years.
Thanks Barbara, I many fond memories of your entire crazy family , and yes, who would have thought. Andy has always been the “fearless” one and he always bounces back like the energizer bunny 🙂
Carol and I are cousins and born within months of each other. I have not seen her since 1968 but see that her interests and activities were the same as mine. You’ve lost a sister, mother and friend but her spirit will be with you forever. Condolences from the Anchorage Wahto Family.
David Wahto
Thanks for your post, David. We appreciate your thoughts.
I’m so very sorry for the loss or your sister Barb. My thoughts are with you and your family 🙏❤️
Thanks Jan. It’s wonderful to hear from you. You knew Carol too from when she worked with us at 200 First West! Hard to believe that was over 10 years ago.