Saturday, November 8, 2025
Carol Ann Plymale passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2025.
Carol was born in Colton, Washington on April 30, 1928, to Edward and Margaret Kramer. She was raised on the family farm and was the only girl of six children. She was the first in her family to attend college and graduated from Seattle University in 1951, where she met her husband, Patrick F. Plymale.
Her degree was a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and she worked as an RN at Providence Hospital. Carol and Pat lived in Everett; Coos Bay, Oregon; North Bend, Oregon; and returned to Everett, raising six children along the way. They had 50 happy years together before Pat passed away in 2001 shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary.
Carol’s life was rooted in faith, family, and the enjoyment of being around people. She had an infectious laugh and a contagious smile. After raising their kids, she went back to work as a nurse at the government program WIC, where she spent 13 years providing nutritional assistance and education, referrals to health care and social services for low-income pregnant and new mothers, as well as infants and children who were at nutritional risk.
While raising her children, Carol did numerous volunteer activities at St. Mary Magdalen School like setting up immunization clinics, being responsible for hearing tests and vision screening, and being instrumental in organizing the infamous SMM Cookbook. She played piano, loved games (especially cards), hosted numerous soccer team dinners, gave rides to and from hundreds of activities, and always made space for an extra place at the table on holidays for our friends that were far from home and their own families.
Involvement in community service and volunteer work spanned her lifetime, with highlights being her work on the mayor-appointed City of Everett Cultural Commission, and more than 30 years of service to the Providence General Children’s Association (PGCA), Guild 1.
Her adventurous spirit shined at our many family gatherings and outings, a trip to Rome and the Vatican with daughter Mary Pat’s papal choir, the Hood to Coast Walk achieved at the age of 70, and many trips that she did with her daughter Katie. Carol had a full and rewarding 97 years and was an inspiration to all. She was an example of what living a full life with a strong moral code looks like.
Carol was predeceased by her husband, Pat; her five brothers; son-in-law Tony Wawrzycki; and oldest daughter, Mary Pat Graham. She is survived by her children, Mike (Laura) Plymale, John (Lilly) Plymale, Susie (John) McLeod, Katie Plymale, Mark (Christa) Plymale, son-in-law Gordon Graham, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. To name everyone whose life she touched through her warmth, friendship, and giving spirit would be an impossible task. She will be missed!
A funeral mass celebrating Carol’s life will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saint John Mission Catholic Church, 829 3rd St, Mukilteo, WA 98275. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Carol’s name to PGCA, P.O. Box 13228, Everett, WA 98206.
