Camilla Manzer Dirks

Camilla Manzer Dirks passed away at home in Bremerton on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1929, in Seattle, Washington, the third and youngest child of Dr. Tilden T. and Charlotte Cowie Manzer.

Camilla was a true Seattleite. She was born and raised in Ballard, which she described as “the Scandinavian headquarters of Seattle.” As a child Camilla occasionally accompanied Mrs. Manzer on errands downtown by streetcar to shop at Pike Street Market and Fredericks, followed by lunch at Rhodes Department Store to listen to its huge Wurlitzer organ. They would also visit Dr. Manzer, a physician and surgeon, at his offices in the Medical Dental Building.

She was an active, athletic young woman, an accomplished equestrian and Seattle All City Tennis Champion at the age of 16 (following in the steps of her beloved brother Tor, 13 years earlier.) While attending Roosevelt High School, she also studied music at Cornish College. She lived a creative life as an accomplished pianist, a choir member and director, an exceptional needleworker, and an avid gardener with an artist’s eye.

As a child Camilla accompanied Dr. Manzer on house calls. Those visits made a lasting impression. She was compassionate, intellectually curious and gentle. Throughout her life she was an active volunteer. At home, she always had a place for a stray or injured animal. One at a time, those lucky creatures were doted on every day for the rest of their life.

She married Merrill Roswall in 1947 and together they had three daughters, Christie, Severina (Rinna) and Julie. They lived in Sunnyside until their divorce. In 1975, Camilla married Rev. John Dirks with whom she shared a passion for their church and the arts.

In 1994, Camilla retired from Group Health of Puget Sound, where she was known as a faithful employee and advocate of staff-work enhanced programs.

Camilla’s faith was the driving force of her life, first as an Episcopalian, later as Russian Orthodox to which she converted with her husband, John. Their Orthodox journey began at St. Spiridon’s in Seattle. After moving to Bremerton, Camilla and John were founding members of St. Elizabeth Russian Orthodox Church in Poulsbo.

She is survived by her daughters Christie (Tom Mortensen), Severina (Jim Chapple) and Julie (Craig Miller), stepchildren Martha, Michael, William and Richard, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.