The Nystrom family sends our love to you and your family with the passing of your dear mother. It's really hard to believe for me because she was such a big part of my growing up years and always a kind and giving person to us.... see more at "stories"
Louise Elaine Simmons Wallace, 83, passed away June 11, 2013 in Tumwater, Washington. She died peacefully, with her daughter at her side, of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a lung disease.
Born January 4, 1930 in Valentine, Nebraska, to John and Josephine Simmons, Louise grew up in a family of 8 children. The Simmons family enjoyed music and dancing; her parents were farmers and her father played fiddle at local barn dances. Every family member played an instrument or sang, often in four-part harmony. When Louise was 13 years old, her family moved to Washington State, where she continued her education, graduating from Everett High School.
Louise met Wayne Wallace, of Snohomish, at a community dance. They fell in love, married in 1950 and started a family. Eventually they settled in Kirkland, Washington, where they lived for more than 2 decades, bringing up their 7 children. Louise dedicated herself to motherhood and became interested in nutrition and organic gardening, pioneering many practices considered mainstream today. As a woman of faith, she cared deeply about people and spreading the good news of the gospel. Louise often said that her greatest accomplishments were being married to her best friend for over 56 years and the “seven wonderful citizens she contributed to society”.
Wayne and Louise retired to the Roslyn, WA area and also had a winter home in Desert Hot Springs, CA. They enjoyed volunteer work, many wonderful friendships and family celebrations, including the arrival of 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Louise is survived by her children, Darrell Wallace (Kristy); Jeanne Wallace; Aleta Paraghamian (Chris); Neva Redmond (Kevin); Joy Moran (Bob); Ann Wallace-Lofton (Matthew); and Dale Wallace (Tami). Her grandchildren are Michael and Hunter Steen; Sarah and Andrew Paraghamian; David, Justin and Robyn Luckenbach; Jeff, Brian, Grace and Carly Workman; Shelby and Paige Lofton; and Erika Wallace. Her great-grandchildren include June Paraghamian, Samantha Luckenbach, Sieryn and Ryeden Luckenbach, and Kyle Harvey, Jr.
A sixth great-grandchild, baby boy Steen, is due in September.
She is also survived by her brother, Harold Simmons, sisters Esther Mattley and Virginia Thompson, as well as many dear nieces and nephews and their families. Louise was predeceased by her husband Wayne in 2007, as well as brothers Clemmond and Butch (Clarence) and sisters Gertrude and Nadine.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 2, 10:00am at the First Baptist Church of Tumwater, and a graveside service on Sunday, August 4, 2:00pm in the Roslyn Cemetery.
405 X St SE Tumwater, WA 98501
Roslyn Cemetery - Memorial Gardens
Donations may be made to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) National Home for Children (vfwnationalhome.org).
Tributes
Leave a tributeThe Nystrom family sends our love to you and your family with the passing of your dear mother. It's really hard to believe for me because she was such a big part of my growing up years and always a kind and giving person to us.... see more at "stories"
June 12 at 6:23pm
Joy, your mother was such a kind and caring person and I always appreciated her smile. She always made me feel comfortable when I was at your home. God bless you during this time of loss.
June 12 at 11:54pm via facebook
~~Dan & Diana Simmons
Leave a Tribute
The Nystrom family sends our love to you and your family with the passing of your dear mother. It's really hard to believe for me because she was such a big part of my growing up years and always a kind and giving person to us.... see more at "stories"
June 12 at 6:23pm
Joy, your mother was such a kind and caring person and I always appreciated her smile. She always made me feel comfortable when I was at your home. God bless you during this time of loss.
June 12 at 11:54pm via facebook
Milk Money
From Marty Nystrom: As a kid I was often the designated milk runner in the Nystrom home. This meant I was to walk down to the Wallace house (in all kinds of Seattle weather), give my dollar and carry the glass gallon jar of milk (cream on top) back so my seven siblings could enjoy their Cheerios. Mrs. Wallace always greeted me kindly with a sweet smile. More than once she chose not to take the dollar. I will always remember her as a kind and generous woman.
story via facebook https://www.facebook.com/joy.moran.olympia/posts/661191040561476
Finn Hill
From Lynne Nystrom Gallaher: My memories are of her and my mom washing clothes together with that blue stuff and matching socks for hours!
I remember them chatting together while drinking coffee with Margaret (Clark) when they weren't all busy in the kitchen canning fruits and vegetables.
I remember the gallon jugs of fresh milk and the most delicious homemade bread and cheese sandwiches.
Thank you to her for being a great friend to my mom! They still had been calling each other and keeping in touch and I was blessed to have lunch with your mom a year or two ago - it was so good to see her again.
...story via facebook
https://www.facebook.com/joy.moran.olympia/posts/661191040561476