Mary Louise Austin

Louise passed away on March 30, 2017, at The Village at the Harbour, in Friday Harbor Washington, at the age of 90. She was born to Charles and Lola Napoleone on June 26, 1926 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She grew up and lived most of her life in Albuquerque along side her three brothers, Chuck Napoleone, who preceded her in death, Rudy Napoleone (Nell) and Pat Napoleone (Corine) who both reside in Albuquerque and three sisters, Bea Sanchez and Vi Herrera, who both preceded her in death and Dorothy Dennis (Jerry) who resides in Conroe, Texas.

After graduating from Albuquerque High School, she travelled to San Diego, California, where she began her career at American Telegraph and Telephone Company. She became a manager of over 200 people in Albuquerque. In 1949, her brother Chuck introduced her to his handsome best friend, William Austin. In April 1954, she married Bill, who preceded her in death on September 24, 1992. During her career, Louise was an active member of Soroptimist International of New Mexico, as well as the AT&T Pioneers until her retirement from AT&T. She moved to Friday Harbor in 2011, when Alzheimer's disease started to affect her quality of life. She joined the Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor and The Red Hat Society until her condition kept her from participating. After a devastating fall, she moved into The Village at the Harbour where she made many friends. She is most remembered for having a cheerful smile and loving manner.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Debbi Staehlin and her husband Dave of Friday Harbor, WA, her four grandchildren Heather Easley (Dan) and Gretchen Bailey (Craig) both of Friday Harbor, WA, Tara McGarry (Tim) of Portland OR. and Jeff Wilhelm (Jacinda) of Midland, TX. and five great-grandchildren, Lily Easley of Friday Harbor, Jayden, Skyler, Lane and Bryce Wilhelm all of Midland, TX.

A Visitation will be held Friday, April 21, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the FRENCH – Lomas Chapel with the Rosary following at 6:00 p.m. Mass with be held  Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Louise will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Saturday, April 22, 2017 following the Mass  at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.