Miriam W. Whippo
March 8, 1923 - September 18, 2006
Obituary
Miriam W. Whippo, age 83 passed away on September 18, 2006 in SeaTac. She led an active life, both physical and academic. Miriam was born in Aberdeen, WA. On March 8, 1923, to Margurite and Mert Wheeler. She and her mother later moved to Seattle, where Miriam graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington.
While still in high school, Miriam joined the Moutaineers’ Outdoor Players group, participating in drama productions. While attending the U.W., she was active in the university branch of the YWCA, where she met her future husband, Harry, at a YWCA sponsored dance. But, she refused to marry that nice young Boeing Aeronautical Engineer until she graduated. The two were finally married in 1945. They moved around the country, and she bore two sons, Paul and Steve, in Boulder, CO.
Returning to Seattle in 1955, Miriam rejoined the Moutaineers. She also joined the American Association of University Women and attended Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, where she remained an active member until her death. For 42 years, Miriam was also a docent at the Burke Museum on the U.W. campus.
She spent many years hiking, skiing and traveling with her family and constant companion, Harry, interspersed with raising her two sons. When cancer struck in 1999, her active life came to an end. Her seven year battle with ovarian cancer ended on September 18, 2006.
Miriam is survived by her husband of 61 years, Harrison M. Whippo, Jr. of Burien; son Stephen B. Whippo of Seattle; and daughter-in-law Beverly J. Whippo of North Bend. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul S. Whippo in 2004.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on October 14, 2006 at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15003 – 14th Ave. SW, Burien, WA. The family has entrusted arrangements to BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 206 242-1787. The family prefers remembrances be made to Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, 1221 Madison St., Suite 1401, Seattle, WA 98104.
Harry, I am sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. I don’t know if you remember me, but I am a friend of Tom Downes from the Seachordsmen, and used to attend your concerts and rehearsals. I also played piano at Nordstrom at Southcenter. I extend my thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this time.
Dear Harry and family,
All my thoughts are with you.It will be so hard not to have Miriam with you after so many years to-gether.She was a wonderful friend.We of AAUW will miss her. Mary Lou Hughes