Membership

Anne Carragher remembered

15-year NIRSA Member found, and spread, joy everywhere

Anne Carragher, Director of Recreational Sports at Seattle University and 15-year NIRSA Professional Member, passed away on July 17. Below is a remembrance of her that was composed by Dr. Don Ross, Assistant Director of Recreational Sports at Seattle University:

Anne E. Carragher died at her sister’s home in Redmond, Washington on Monday, July 17, 2006 after an extended battle with cancer. She was 56 years old. Anne was born on December 11, 1949 in Syracuse, New York. She was raised in Detroit, Michigan and Walnut Creek, California. She graduated from the University of Oregon and received a Master’s Degree from Seattle University. Anne was the Director of Recreational Sports at Seattle University at the time of her death. She was a member of NIRSA, Seattle University Colleagues, and the advisory board for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. She enjoyed hiking, biking, golf, cross-country skiing, and rooting for (and sometimes cursing) the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks.

Last year at the annual mission day held for all faculty and staff at Seattle University, Anne was asked to speak about spirituality and what inspires us in life. To this Anne answered:

“I believe we were meant to enjoy life, despite all the suffering and sorrow of the world. Otherwise why would God have made sunsets with such beautiful colors? Why would puppies and babies be so darned cute? Why so much laughter in the poorest communities of our country? Gladness, enjoyment and delight affirms me and is a more deserving measure of my attention than injustice. So while I praise the martyrs, and applaud heroes, and work and volunteer to improve my communities, I am inspired by the things which delight me – the feeling of my hot flushed cheeks as I jog on a cold day, the soft quiet sound of snow falling on snow, the sights of one of those fabulous Puget Sound sunsets, framed by Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, the smell of spring lilacs as I ride my bike in the evening, the taste of a meal cooked outdoors at our campsite; and then there is the pride, exhilaration, excitement and delight of an athletic accomplishment, completing a sterling double play or a well executed last second basket or climbing and sitting atop Mt. Rainier. Finally, I am inspired by sharing all these delights with others, the smiles, the laughter and the fellowship.”

Anne will be remembered as a generous and positive spirit. Her energy, enthusiasm and joy for living will always be remembered.