Mary L. Arney

She died in her sleep: Under a full moon, on the solstice, early Tuesday morning, June 21.

Born on April 26, 1947: known as Mary, Mary Lou, Lou, or Louie, and most recently, Luli by her youngest grandniece.

Mary devoted her entire career to Seattle Mortgage, throughout many technological changes and alterations to the banking and mortgage industry. In the 70's when her boss asked her to travel across the country to choose the company's first computer, she responded who, me? before accepting the challenge. Years later she prepared for the uneventful transition to Y2K.

She grew up Mary Lou on Orcas Island with her parents Bill, Willie or William John Arney and Margaret Liesinger Arney, along with three siblings: Dorothy, Bob and Sarah (Sally) Arney.

In 1963 the family moved to Oso where she graduated from Arlington High School and then attended the University of Washington, our mother's alma mater.

At UW she had too much fun making lifelong friends with a gang called The Mob, especially Sue Prince, who became another sister in the family. To our father's surprise Lou marched in an anti-war demonstration in 1967, which closed I-5 to traffic.

To say Louie was an avid sports fan is an understatement. She loved Husky football and all Husky sports, as well as the Mariners, the Seahawks, and the Sonics before they left.

A descendent of farmers way back, Louie nurtured roses and many other flowers - preferably purple. She grew sweet peas in honor of Aunt Betty and scarlet runner beans because she couldn't buy them at the store. Louie loved tulips the best, visiting the Skagit Valley tulip fields every year and frequently having a tulip bouquet in the house.

Louie eagerly anticipated and enjoyed her bi-annual vacation at Cannon Beach, Oregon where she breathed the Pacific Ocean air with Sue.

Most of all Aunt Louie loved her nieces and nephews, their children, and all the neighbor kids, too. The birth of our cousin's baby on Louie's birthday brought her much joy through a special bond.

She is survived by her siblings Dorothy (Bob) Yantis, Bob (Cheryl) Arney, and Sarah Arney. As well as nieces and nephews: Heather (Dan) Lawler, Heidi (Jeff) Camphouse, Elizabeth Arney, Craig (Rachel) Yantis, Chris (Linda) Yantis, Karen (Matt) Jellum; and three grand nephews, two grand nieces, and many cousins.

She was known by all to be the most kind and generous sister, aunt and friend.

We will miss our dear, sweet Louie.

A celebration of life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Kent at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9.

Remembrances to

University of Washington

Hospice of Snohomish County

Arlington Arts Council

Words of comfort may be expressed for Mary Arney's family by clicking on the guestbook link to the right.