Faye Ellen Atwood
Faye Ellen Atwood past away peacefully on August 24th, 2013, at her home surrounded by family. She was 69.
Born in Spokane, WA, on October 7th, 1943, Faye was the youngest of two daughters of Joyce and Guy Griswold. During her younger years she lived in Spokane and graduated from Shadle Park High in 1962. Thereafter in Seattle, WA she attended and graduated from the University of Washington among the top of her class. On February 4th, 1967 she married James Russell Atwood and had two sons Jim and Tye.
Faye throughout her life was an accomplished teacher and secretarial administrator. She had a successful career with the Lake Washington School district in Seattle for more than 30 years. Faye started her career path in education as a teacher at Shadle Park High School in Spokane. Later she joined the Lake Washington School District in Seattle and her first teaching assignment was with Juanita High School. Shortly thereafter she became secretarial administrator for Hellen Keller Elementary as well as a teacher. Her final position was head secretary for Kamiakin Junior High School. She was a highly respected teacher and secretarial administrator who was passionate about her work in education and the importance it played on helping people of all ages. Throughout her career she participated in numerous school programs designed specifically to help kids advance in their education.
One of Faye’s strongest attributes was her ability to listen to others and help those in need. She was a very self sufficient individual with firm ideas on morality, politics, education, and world events. She could converse at length with great interest on just about any subject. Faye’s greatest pleasures in life were her family, reading, collecting dolls, craft work, the outdoors, and sharing the love and laughter with her devoted husband Jim, her family and many friends.
Faye deeply loved her family, and she was very special to all who loved her. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, James Russell Atwood, her two sons and their wives, Jim and Yoyo, Tye and Jennifer, grandchildren Grace, Hannah, Aily, Sasha, and her grandson Kyle. She also leaves her sister Roberta and brother-in-law Andy, niece Sheri and nephew Mike. She was preceded in death by her parents Joyce and Guy, and sister-in-law Sandy. Her memory will be treasured by her many Seattle and Spokane area friends, co-workers, and former students too numerous to mention.
Faye was a wonderful person, wife, and mother. Rest in peace, she will always know where to find her family here at a place called home. We love you!
The family would like to give special thanks to the Group Health oncology dept. for their tireless effort to keep her well during her difficult journey with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Evergreen Hospice, Seattle Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
7 Responses to “Faye Ellen Atwood”
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Miss Faye was an absolutely marvelous lady. Very welcoming and always greeted with a kind hello/sweet smile. Even though I wasn’t a part of the Kamiakin staff, she always helped me whenever I would come on campus to follow-up with my Kirkland Heights kids. She will be missed/remembered well. Her family, friends & colleagues are on my heart/in my prayers.
To Jim and family, Faye was the most loving and compassionate person I have ever met. She was always there to help anyone and to listen to problems, etc.
Even though we had lost touch these past years, I will miss her and always remember the wonderful person she was. My prayers are with you all.
Jim, Jimmy & Tye, I’m in shock in hearing about the passing of my dear friend Faye. We’ve knows each other since Helen Keller Elementary days and continued that friendship after she moved to Kamiakin Jr. High. Whenever we would get together for lunch, including with Dorothy Kulle (now deceased)or just a visit, we always had a great time chatting about our jobs and families. Unfortunately, we lost tough over the last few years, but she has always been one of my favorite people. I will miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace dear friend.
Faye and I grew up together across the street from each other in Spokane. After my wedding, at which she was my maid of honor, we lost touch as my husband and I moved around for his work. I’ve tried to find her here in the western Washington area after we moved here in 2005, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. She and her family members are in my thoughts and prayers.
Faye … I appreciated all you did while keeping Kamiakin up and running! You were an amazing person and a fantastic administrative secretary. You are in our hearts forever! The Bury Family of Kirkland.
Mrs Atwood was a great mentor and friend who will greatly be missed. I thought about her often and always enjoyed talking with her and having lunch with her.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Atwood’s passing. I do remember her for which she worked at all the Kirkland LWSD schools, I had attended, she had committed her life to inspire kids around her. I attended Helen Keller Elementary, Kamiakin JH and last Juanita High School. She was my most favorite person to go visit every morning, before I went to my classes. She has always made me smile and always told me to do my best in class. She is truly missed. I’m so sorry to be so late in writing this. R.I.P. Mrs. Atwood.