Carole Dorothy Wayte (née Hill)

October 18, 1937 – March 19, 2025

“Always remember to see the magic that surrounds us.” These words, spoken by Carole Dorothy Wayte, perfectly reflect the way she lived her life – with wonder, warmth, and a generous heart. Born on October 18, 1937, in Somerville, MA, Carole passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Carole was a free spirit and leader; the embodiment of unconditional love. She was a champion for all and offered grace, respect, and opportunity to everyone she met, no matter their circumstances. An accomplished painter and storyteller, Carole united people and touched lives. Her love of the mountains and ocean permeated her life as skiing and long ocean swims were among her greatest joy second only to her family.

Born into a large Irish Catholic family and raised in Lexington, MA, Carole attended the French Catholic school Notre Dame de Pitié in Cambridge. As a teenager, she helped run her family’s neighborhood stores and later became one of the first women to integrate Boston College. She began her professional life as a stewardess for TWA, traveling the world before planting roots and raising her family on Mercer Island, WA.

Carole was active with the Seattle Art Museum, Mercerdale swim club, Chinook Aquatic Club, and the USA Swimming community at large. She organized the first Seafair Triathlon on Mercer Island, owned Swan Place Interior Design in Arlington, MA, and led the Chamber of Commerce in Clermont, FL. In her later years, Carole took on the role of general contractor to build her retirement home in Coos Bay, OR, and eventually returned to Seattle to be near her children.

Carole is survived by her four children Joy Wayte; Mary Wayte and her daughters Jordan and Audrey Bradburne; Michael Wayte, Jr., and his wife, Charlotte, and their sons Emmett and Angus Wayte; David Wayte and wife, Jennifer, and their daughters Kayla and April Wayte. She is also survived by her sister Mary Peters, and beloved 30 nieces and nephews. Carole was predeceased by her siblings Claire Bryant, Walter “Buddy” Hill, Edward Hill, Robert Hill, John Hill, and Dorothy Hilbert.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer on Cape Cod, Carole’s most cherished place, with a planned Paddle-out Ceremony near the rocks off West Dennis Beach, a legendary open water swimming destination.

Carole carried magic within her, offering total support, deep passion, and unwavering love for all people and all things. May her memory bring comfort and a smile to those who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, Carole’s children invite you to join their Swim Across America team and raise money for cancer research or make a donation in her memory, http://www.swimacrossamerica.….

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