Toni M. Jones Clawson died peacefully May 20, 2003, in the arms of her loving family.

She was a staple of the Whidbey community, serving for many years on the South Whidbey Youth Center board. She helped raise thousands of dollars for the center, including grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dedicated to children and education her whole life, she also volunteered for many years with the Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill, where she headed the organization’s pediatric efforts in Washington state.

Mrs. Clawson was a Northwesterner at heart. Born and raised in Seattle, she spent every moment possible enjoying the beach, sound and mountains. Her love of Northwest beaches lead her to pursue marine biology at the University of Washington, where she became a certified histologist and did genetic research on sudden infant death syndrome. While doing research she helped discover the stain for mast cells. Fluent in several languages, she also studied at the University of Munich, Germany.

According to her family, she always lead a life of adventure. She took up scuba diving at the age of 16, not long after it was invented. Constantly thirsting for excitement, she later switched to skydiving, which she found to be a safer alternative. Skiing was also a life-long passion, which she enjoyed to her last days. She began skiing as a child and went on to race and teach.

For all of her accomplishments, her family and friends will most remember Toni for her love of life and the people around her.

She is survived by her father Henry Jones Sr.; a brother, Henry; children Kristin, Kellye and David; nephews Tucker, Tyler and Leif; grandchildren Mary, Joseph and Noah; an aunt, Margaret Ann; cousins Leo and Michael; and her loving canine companion, Shakespeare.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at her home on South Whidbey.

Memorials may be made to the South Whidbey Youth Center, P.O. Box 331, Langley, WA 98260.