Carmen Murrell

Carmen Yvette Murrell was born on February 10, 1986, at Darnell Army Hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, to Patrick and Linda Murrell. The younger of two children, Carmen died unexpectedly of natural causes on October 13, 2026, at the age of 40. She leaves behind a loving family, countless friends, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

From an early age, Carmen was imaginative, curious, and full of energy. She loved reading, swimming, and spending time on the playground, especially the monkey bars. Talkative as a child, she grew into a thoughtful, dependable, and kind person whose quiet strength would become one of her defining qualities.

Carmen attended school in the University Place School District, where she excelled academically and athletically. She was a member of the National Honor Society and played basketball at Curtis Junior High and Curtis Senior High School. More than the competition itself, Carmen treasured the friendships and camaraderie she shared with her teammates. After graduating from Curtis Senior High School in 2004, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2008 and a master's degree in public health from A.T. Still University in 2011.

Faith was an important part of Carmen's life, beginning in childhood through church, youth groups, and summer camps. She was baptized at Orchard Street Church of Christ and remained devoted to her Christian faith throughout her life. As an active member of University Place Presbyterian Church, Carmen was recently ordained as an elder, reflecting her commitment to faith, service, and community. She believed deeply in treating others with kindness, love, and respect, values she demonstrated through her actions every day.

Carmen dedicated her professional life to serving others. Since 2011, she worked for the City of Shoreline's Parks and Recreation Department, most recently as Recreation Supervisor. Her influence extended far beyond her own department through her work on numerous city committees and the relationships she built with colleagues across the city. A thoughtful leader and exceptional manager, Carmen was deeply respected and loved by those who worked alongside her. From developing specialized recreation programs to overseeing community gardens, adult trips, and summer day camps serving thousands of children, she helped create programs that became lasting pillars of the Shoreline community. At the Spartan Recreation Center, Carmen was the familiar smile that staff and visitors looked forward to seeing. Her impact on the people and community she served will be felt for years to come.

Carmen shared her life with her beloved wife, Eva Levingrub, whom she married on August 9, 2014. Together, they chose to grow their family through foster care and adoption, welcoming their two children, Ana and Kishi. As a wife and mother, Carmen was the steady, grounding presence at the heart of their family. Her thoughtfulness, dependability, and unwavering love provided a foundation of strength and stability for those she loved most.

Carmen is survived by her wife, Eva, and their children, Ana and Kishi; her parents, Patrick and Linda Murrell; her brother, Derrick Murrell, his wife, Denise, and their four children; her parents-in-law, Steven and Barbara Levingrub; and Eva's siblings, Debra, Khalen, and Ian, along with their families. She also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Carmen will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the countless ways she made life better for those around her. Her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved her, but her legacy lives on through her family, her friendships, her faith, and the community she helped build.

To contribute to the GoFundMe for Eva, Ana, and Kishi, click here.