6/29/1922 ~ 2/13/2015
Longtime West Seattle resident Louis North, 92, has passed away. Born in West Seattle, Louise graduated from Lafayette Grade School, Madison Junior High and West Seattle High School class of 1941. In high school Louise was Vice President of the Girl's Club and founding member the Accordion Band. She graduated from the University of Washington and earned her Masters from Simmons College in Boston, Mass.
After graduation Louise worked as an Assistant Buyer at Frederick and Nelson Department Store, Seattle, Washington. In 1954 she opened Louise North Apparel in West Seattle. A popular women’s apparel shop, Louise was in business for 30+ years.
After she retired Louise traveled extensively. She renewed her love of the accordion, and played with the Northwest Accordionaires Band and the Happy Tones Quartet. A stroke left physical limitations, but she continued to enjoy accordion music and events to the end.
Louise spent her summer's at the Redondo Beach house. She loved the beach, swimming, diving, water skiing, clamming, and bonfires, which included the accordion. Redondo was a special place where 3 generations of nieces, nephews, and family would gather with their special Aunt Louise.
One of six children, Louise had four brothers and a sister. They loved to sing around the piano.
Her parents, Dr. Charles Q. North and Charlotte (Davis) North, and brothers, Charles, Edward-her twin brother and Richard preceded her in death. Currently her brother, Albert North (Lillian), and sister, Patty North Stamets, and sister-in-law, Mary North, and the many nieces and nephews are celebrating Louise’s "Young at Heart Life."
A Memorial was held February 21st at West Side Presbyterian Church. Remembrances may be sent in honor of Louise to the Northwest Accordion Society, 1107 1st Avenue #1003, Seattle, WA 98101 to benefit young musicians with a love of the accordion. Guestbook: www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes
Published in The West Seattle Herald Section of The Westside Weekly February 27, 2015
