Obituary of Carol Shivel

On August 20, 2019, Carol Shivel breathed her final breath on earth, leaving behind a legacy of playfulness, spirituality, intellect and effusive love for her family and friends. Those who knew her will recall the ever-present sparkle in her eye—for she met the world with joy and curiosity. Whether she was dancing to “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones, or buying orange juice at her corner market, Carol emanated warmth and sharpness.

Carol was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 12, 1933 to parents, Ralph B. Shivel and Ruth (Wilbur) Shivel. Carol and her older sister, Jean (1929-2014), spent their childhood summers enjoying their family lake cabin, a tradition which has persisted through the generations. After Carol’s freshman year of college, she married Bob Cubberly and, with two little boys, they moved to Oberlin, Ohio in 1959. In 1965, they divorced and Carol became the single mother of an 11-year-old and 8-year-old. The house resonated with the sounds of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin.  In 1969, Carol married Mark Papworth, a college professor, and in 1972 the family moved to the deep forest of Delphi Road in Olympia, Washington.  In Olympia, Carol opened a book store with Carol Mckinley, and completed her Bachelor’s degree at The Evergreen State College. Once her sons were grown, Carol’s intellectual and spiritual passion led her to pursue a Master’s in Theology at UC Berkeley. Shortly after completing her degree, Carol converted to Judaism and became an active member of the orthodox congregation of Temple Beth Israel. It was there, in Berkeley, that Carol lived some of the best years of her life, surrounded by friends, a strong spiritual life (including many trips to Israel), a condo full of flowers, and two grandchildren. In 2016, with advanced dementia, her sons moved her back to Olympia to be in assisted living.

Carol was a strong woman, a responsible, loving mother, and wonderful friend. The world has lost a shining light of kindness and grace.  Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her friends, and the family who survive her:  Scott W. and Annie Cubberly of Olympia, and Robert B. Cubberly of San Francisco; and two grandchildren, Jessie E. and Henry S. Cubberly.

Private service.