Elizabeth Partolan-Fray
Friends and colleagues are invited to the Funeral Mass on Friday, August 12 at 10:30 am at St Joseph Catholic Church, 5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248. A celebration of life will be on Saturday, August 13 at 3:00 pm at Fox Hall, 1661 W Bakerview Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
Elizabeth Partolan-Fray, 67, passed away from natural causes.
Elizabeth (Liz) was born in Palo Alto, California to Ramon Partolan and Pacita Soriano on September, 15, 1948. She attended Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto and was part of the first graduating class of 1966. She earned a BS degree in Sociology from San Jose State University and an MS degree from Western Washington University in Counseling Psychology. In 1971 she married Fred Tanner. They served in the Peace Corps in Swaziland, Africa, in 1971-1973 and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1975-1977. They moved to Bellingham WA in 1977 where she raised her children. She met Shawn Fray in 1984 and they were married in 1990. She loved working with international students at Western Washington University for over 35 years, first as a counselor, then as Director of International Programs & Exchanges. She was a long-time advocate for international education, study abroad, and for increasing the diversity of U.S. students who study abroad. Liz was outgoing and had numerous friends. Her joys in life included traveling, dancing, Zumba, cooking and especially spending time with her family.
Liz is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Pacita, her sister Janet Partolan-Callahan, niece Darcy Partolan-Callahan.
Liz is survived by her husband, Shawn Fray; her children Matthew Tanner of San Jose CA, Casimira (Tanner) Robles (Michael) of Bellingham WA, Maura (Fray) Mehler (Chad) of Ferndale WA; her sisters Angelita (Paul Barron) Partolan of Anacortes WA, Rosemarie Partolan of Santa Clara CA, Evelyn (Randy) Aguon of Palo Alto CA, Francine Partolan of Mountain View CA; granddaughters Alyssa In, Malaya Robles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Liz was loved by many, and she will truly be missed.
Friends and colleagues are invited to the Funeral Mass on Friday, August 12 at 10:30 am at St Joseph Catholic Church, 5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248. A celebration of life will be on Saturday, August 13 at 3:00 pm at Fox Hall, 1661 W Bakerview Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226
Memories
From Bess DeVere
Dear Angie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Liz's passing. She was a lovely, intelligent woman. I always used to see her at the YMCA where we would catch up. Her life was filled with purpose and dedication--always helping students, and she had a joy about her that was so comforting to be around.Bellingham and Western were lucky to have her contributions to our community. May you all find peace. She will be missed by many.
Hugs,
Bess DeVere
From Bonnie McClung…
I am so shocked and saddened to just now learn of Liz' passing. We were good buddies in high school and had been in touch a lot this year. I was so looking forward to seeing her again soon. My love and deepest condolences to the family and all her friends. Blessings, Bonnie Chappa
From Vicki Capp
Liz has left a legacy with her work in the Peace Corp, a wonderful, loving family and a university world that will miss her positive outlook and spirit. Liz was one of the first student's I met when I moved to Palo Alto and Gunn HS from the east coast. She made entering a new school and a new life much easier for me when she offered a warm friendship and welcome.
From David and Domi…
We extend our most sincere condolences to Auntie Evelyn Aguon and her family at this time. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
From D. Harris
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and send you my sincere condolences. May you find comfort from God's word at Revelation 21:3,4 and John 5:28,29. Heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
From Christine Haro…
I was shocked and saddened this March 2018 to learn of Liz’s passing in August of 2016 shortly after our last communication regarding the Gunn High School 50th class reunion. We had a lot of fun ‘back in the day’. She was a very special person. Blessings to her family.
Add new comment