S. Louise Weese
S. Louise Weese, 94 of Winona and formerly of Auburn, WA, died Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.
Louise was born July 2, 1922 in Colorado to Eric and Viola Lessley. She grew up in Colorado, graduating from Steamboat Springs High School and going on to earn her teaching degree.
She married her husband, James Weese on July 3, 1943, the day after her 21st birthday. They first moved to Bremerton, WA and then onto Tanacross, Alaska where they stayed for three years. Jim enrolled in a class on watchmaking in Los Angeles. While he was going to school, Louise painted Franciscan Pottery. After Jim finished school, they first settled in Enumclaw, WA and then a year later in Auburn, WA where they stayed for most of the rest of their lives. It was there that they bought a jewelry store they re-named Weese Jewelry and a year after they settled in, their daughter, Robinette was born. They worked at their store with Robin in the back room and Jim and Louise out front.
Louise was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Soroptimos Club. She really enjoyed and was extremely talented at small, intricate handwork and as an artist. She would often sell her pieces at craft sales and donate the proceeds to various charities such as the Leprosy Association and the Native American Society.
Louise and Jim retired to Callista Court in Winona to be near their daughter. Jim passed away in 2006 and Louise eventually became a resident of St. Anne Extended Healthcare.
Louise is survived by her daughter, Robin Weese of Winona; former son-in-law, Jack Schell of Lake Placid, FL; grandchildren, John Schell of Minneapolis, Bryan Schell of Rochester, Kim (Mike) Durigan of Rochester and Amee (Jason) Austin of Durango, CO; and five great-grandchildren, Allie, Ian, Aleah, Annwyn and Brayden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents and three brothers.
Funeral Service will be 1 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, led by Funeral Celebrant Ashley Czaplewski. Visitation will be 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Minnieska.
Please share a memory of Louise and sign her online guestbook when it becomes available.
