She sang opera. Randomly. Anywhere, everywhere belted out random passages of song in her operatic voice. On the escalator in Frederick & Nelson. In the supermarket. On the neighborhood walks (as she “liberated” the neighbor's roses). Embarrassing her 4 children constantly. Fitting, as her Italian mother always expected her to be a famous soprano singer, so random acts of song worked in lieu of that aspiration. When you think of it, what an expression of joy - moments of pure freedom she must have had as she gathered in her breath to burst out in song.
That was Mom. Disguised moments, expressing her fearlessness and individuality. Her children learned this from her; their freedom to be individuals.
Celia Whitman led a busy and accomplished life, never a resting moment, it seemed. She was born in Chicago Illinois, eldest daughter with three younger siblings, Dona, William and John. She looked out for them as her parents settled in Greenwood area, where they spent their summer free time at Greenlake and working in the family produce store. She graduated from Lincoln High School and then went on to University of San Diego, first minoring in Drama, then back home to graduate from the University of Washington with a Poly-Sci degree, Education minor. She married Edwin Dale Whitman at age 21 and had four children by the age of 30: Mitchell, Carrie, Brett and Eve. She raised their four kids in Normandy Park and co-ran the family schools, Rich Whitman I & II, all the while studying for her Masters Degree in Education and eeking out a couple well deserved trips to Ireland & Austria/Switzerland with a friend, which spurred her on a lifetime love of travel.
Celia, newly single in 1976, moved to the Wallingford neighborhood in Seattle. She taught elementary school for the Bellevue Public Schools and ended her career there as a Reading Specialist. She liked this role - having made reading a big part of her children's own lives. During the summers she also ran a popular school program called Operation Exploration. She was a dynamic and interesting teacher and shared once that a parent, upon viewing her classroom, said "it looks like chaos in here" but mom said she knew what was happening with every student and wanted them to experience learning in a fun and compelling fashion. She firmly believed that education was the key to life fulfillment and achievement and she never lost her sense of curiosity and passion for learning.
Celia re-married in 1979 to her professor husband, William Etches and they enjoyed their life of shared academia, entertaining and travel for the next 13 years until his passing, in 1991.
She taught in England for a year on a Fulbright Scholarship and while there, traveled extensively throughout Europe. Following retirement from teaching and Bill’s passing, she bought a house on Greenlake, a favorite area of hers to walk, play tennis and even golf at the little Par 3. She was an avid investor in real estate, became a realtor for several years, joined a stock investment club, and had fun with risky stocks. She spent much of her time planning long excursion trips around the world, hitting every continent, sometimes traveling alone or with her siblings or her dear friends, all of whom she so loved and valued.
And buying art. Large ground sculptures were a favorite of hers, but all contemporary art was a passion. She was a true "collector" and was an Art Docent for the Seattle Art Museum for a time. She was a devoted Performing Arts supporter and had season tickets to the Opera, the Symphony and Ballet. Her children swap stories of how long it would take them to fall asleep while at the opera - she tried to culture them and they did enjoy it... for about 15 minutes. She also loved to dance, and you’d see her at the Seattle Center House or The Elks, dancing away while batting her eyelashes at all the men who would follow her around like puppies, hoping for a turn with her on the dance floor.
She believed in serving in her community and volunteered extensively, becoming a Guardian Ad Litem during her retirement. She was a longtime active member of University Unitarian Church and a proud Democrat who was fearless in sharing her opinion of our elected leaders and legislative issues.
She loved her five grandchildren and was very proud of them and their accomplishments, almost all excelling in Youth Symphony - the music near and dear to her heart. Jordan, Lauren, Ellis, Emilie and Katrina. She made sure those grandchildren had experiences to remember her by: hosting annual all-family trips to wonderful locations, tickets to plays, musicals, zoos, ballet. Actively supportive of her nieces and nephews: Christian, Stacey, Darrell and Travis.
She bought a red Miata convertible, in her 60's. That was Celia Whitman.
Dementia/Alzheimers had it’s way with her, for her last 13 years of life. We, her children and her grandchildren, cherish the memories of it all; the good and the bad; grateful to know her journey is now over and she is at peace, at last.
In lieu of flowers, her children would love it if you bought yourself a piece of art: any medium, element, size... or take a turn on the dance floor...and pause to remember and reflect on her indomitable life force and the joy and determination that she shared with all who knew her.
Rest In Peace, Mom. You left us surrounded in love.
Please join us for a memorial service on
Saturday, March 3, 2 pm at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Avenue NE
in Seattle.