Louise Straw

Obituary Louise Freeman Straw Louise passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 15th, 2009 at the age of 92. She was born Louise McMahon on July 5, 1917 in Centralia Washington, and graduated from Centralia High School in 1935. In 1939, Louise married John Freeman and moved into her house in Tacoma, where she would live for the next 70 years. An avid downhill skier and a very active member in the Tacoma Mountaineers, Louise climbed and skied many of the mountains and peaks of the Cascades with John in the 1940's, 50's, and 60's. She continued to hike at Mt. Rainier well into her 70's and visited the park with her family as often as she could. Her husband John passed away in 1969 and she began running Crown Machine Works, an amazing accomplishment at that time. In 1973 she married Chet Straw, and they ran the company until 1984, when they retired. Louise spent a lifetime caring for others, and sacrificed personally so that those who were less fortunate would not have to do without. She made everyone around her feel special, especially her beloved daughter and all of her grandchildren. Louise was preceded in death by both John and Chet, twin brother Leo, brother Mike, sister Evelyn, step-daughter Barbara, and countless friends. She is survived by her daughter Joanne and son-in-law Dennis Weller, five grandsons, one granddaughter, 13 great-grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Louise at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tacoma on Saturday, August 22 at 10:30 AM where she was a parishioner for over 70 years. Followed by Entombment at Calvary Cloisters We will all miss her sense of humor, and her kind and generous heart. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.