Elizabeth Athow

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth Athow, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, on February 23, 2026, at her home in Sequim. Born on August 31, 1952, in California, Elizabeth lived a life filled with laughter, love, and an ever-present sense of adventure. Elizabeth was the cherished daughter of the late U.S. Navy Commander James Keith Athow and Helen Margaret Athow and the beloved sister of the late Leland Athow. She is survived by her devoted sons, Rob, Randy, and Rick, her loving siblings Peggy, Lewis, and Walter, her adored granddaughter Tabatha, and her precious great-granddaughter Brynlee. Elizabeth also leaves behind a tapestry of extended family and friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness. Her dedication to education and her pursuit of knowledge were evident throughout her life. A proud graduate of Chimacum High School in 1970, Elizabeth furthered her education by majoring in Business Automation at ITT Peterson School of Business in 1971, Basic Programming at Green River Community College in 1983, and Human Resources at the University of Washington in 1995. Her career was marked by her roles at Weyerhaeuser, where she worked as a database administrator and later as a data quality specialist, and at Community Health Care and MultiCare. Her colleagues remember her as a brilliant and witty professional who brought light and laughter to the workplace. Elizabeth was a woman of many passions, and her love for life was evident in everything she did. She found joy in simple pleasures: walking on the beach with her dogs, hiking on the Olympic Peninsula, scuba diving and skiing down snowy slopes. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel and explore, always with an eye for beauty and an appreciation for the wonders of nature. For many years, she cherished visiting the Game Farm in Sequim, creating lasting memories with her family. A dedicated member of the Real Life Family Center church for seven years, Elizabeth's faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength and comfort. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter lit up every room she entered, and her intelligence, humor, and compassion made her a beloved figure in her community. Elizabeth's unwavering support and love for her family and friends were the cornerstones of her life, and she was always there, ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Elizabeth Athow leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was a truly remarkable woman, and as her children would say - “She was the most intelligent woman I’ve ever met.”