LOUISE M. LAUBY

Sept. 7, 1919 – May 16, 2015

Louise M. Lauby, 95, died peacefully at her home, with her family at her bedside.

Louise was born in Mt. Angel, Ore., the youngest child of Theresa and John Stecklein, who emigrated from Austria-Hungary in 1903 and settled in Mt. Angel.

The little boy in elementary school who chased her in his little red wagon eventually caught her. In 1948, Louise wed Anthony W. Lauby, just before his discharge from the U.S. Army Air Corps. They were married 59 years, until Tony’s death in 2008.

They were loving parents to four girls and taught them well, especially in generosity and helpfulness.

Louise was a stay-at-home mom; the house was always warm and welcoming when her daughters arrived home from school.  She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed gardening, and was strong in her faith.

After Tony’s retirement in 1979, they built their home on six acres outside Prosser. They enjoyed gardening, travelling and camping. The yearly highlight was their grand-daughters’ summer visits. The girls listened to war stories from Grandpa and home-front stories from Grandma, and shared their love of Big Band music.

After Tony’s death, Louise was the center of the universe for her multi-generational family. Her home became the hub for reunions, celebrations, and weddings. She embodied our hopes, dreams, and family history. She held us together and helped us laugh.

Louise is survived by four daughters, Barbara and husband, Jim Macica, of Prosser; Patty Romero and husband, Larry, of Spokane; Gerry, of Prosser; and Mary Anne and husband, Jim Yount, of Sequim; three grand-daughters, Maria Romero and partner, Aaron Rinn, of Seattle; Katie Macica and husband, Ben Bilton, of Chicago; and Vanessa Romero and husband, Caleb Lowrey, of Benton City; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her four sisters and three brothers.

The Rosary will be said Friday, June 5, at 9 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Inurnment will take place in August at the Mt. Angel cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice would be very much appreciated by her family.