Kari Thompson
Kari Dee Esterberg Thompson passed away quietly on July 30, 2026. She was 78. Kari lived a full and interesting life, marked by a long career in public service, a love of travel, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty around her.
Born in Seattle, Kari’s family moved to Edmonds where she graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1966. Following her brother, Kari attended Washington State University for two years before transferring to the University of Washington, graduating in 1970. Kari began working for the federal government in 1976. For the majority of her 35-year career she was an investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
In 1970, Kari married Walter Thompson. They moved to Edmonds in 1974, and bought their first home the following year. In 1980, they built a new home on that same property where they would live, hosting friends and family, for the rest of Kari’s life.
Kari loved to travel, particularly to exotic and distant places. Starting early in their marriage and for the next 40 years, she and Walter traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central America. Kari’s later trips were to Africa and by far her favorite.
Kari had an eye for beauty and a keen sense of style. No matter the occasion, she was beautifully put together. Whether knitting, needlepointing or collaging, Kari’s creative spirit was always at play. She was also an avid walker and a voracious reader. In true Kari fashion, she somehow combined the two. Around Edmonds, she became known as the woman who could walk and read at the same time — and she did so at a surprisingly brisk pace.
Kari was curious about the world, loved discovering new places and found joy in everyday life. She will be deeply missed by Walter, her sister Wyn, brother Kim, her nephews and nieces, her many friends and all those whose lives she touched.