Carol Ernestina Howman, 87, a twenty-year Langley resident, passed away at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Carol was born in Milwaukee, Wis. on July 8, 1930, to Lyle and Joyce (Wiley) Seefeld. Her childhood was spent in Tomahawk, Wis., Mount Vernon and Seattle. She graduated in 1949 from Lincoln High School in Seattle and then in 1953 from General Hospital of Everett School of Nursing as a registered nurse.

Her only marriage ended in divorce and her childlessness was a major sorrow in her life.

Throughout her life she devoted herself to helping children.

Her working career was mostly spent in caring for newborn babies who needed special care. She was a Head Start volunteer, a volunteer “auntie” at Seattle’s Children’s Hospital, a volunteer tutor with Seattle’s Central Area Youth Association, and for a time she was a foster parent. She sponsored several impoverished children in Central America for many years.

She also traveled twice to Ireland where she stayed for over a year, working in various homes, caring for children as a live-in nanny.

Carol is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Susan Seefeld of Coupeville; her niece, Holly Johnson (husband James Stegall and son Will Stegall); her former foster children, Nora Mahdi and Devon Mahdi; and by numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and by her beloved cousin, Wayne Small.

According to her request there will be no funeral. An informal memorial will be held at a later date. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeyme morial.com

Howman