Frances Louise Kappenman

Frances Louise (Sawyer) Kappenman was born on September 21, 1939 in Olympia, Washington.  She passed peacefully, surrounded by those that loved her most, on the evening of January 9, 2020. The second of eleven children, Louise (she was called by her middle name) was the oldest daughter. A born caregiver, as a child, she tended to the little ones – preparing her to become the amazing mother she has been to her own children.

Louise spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest, the last 50 years in the same house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Auburn, Washington. In addition to being a wife and mother, she spent many years working in the retail industry – her FAVORITE job would likely have been the time she spent as a jewelry salesperson… Louise never found a gold ring she didn’t like.

Dave & Louise

She spent the last 29 years with the love of her life, Dave. The two of them became inseparable – enjoying traveling, cooking and searching for bargains to fix or flip or to fill their home. Louise was never happier then when she found a great deal.

She and Dave wintered in Yuma, Arizona – where they had a wonderful group of friends, who became their Winter Family. There she loved to garden, golf and entertain.

She loved a well-timed four-letter word; her nails were never without her signature red polish; and her family room was full of her Native American Art collection.

Having so many siblings came with challenges and joys. She loved being Aunt Louise to so many; spearheading three family reunions – bringing together the generations, which gave her so much joy.  Welcoming newcomers was one of her greatest strengths – making new friends and family feel right at home.

She had a bigger than life personality and was the true matriarch of her family.  She could have lived to 100, and still would have been gone too soon.  The hole in our hearts that is left behind will slowly fill with memories of her beautiful smile, her laughter, the twinkle of mischief in her eyes, the smell of her kitchen; and in the smiles of babies yet to be born.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents: Frances and Linton Sawyer, and her fun-loving brother Tom.  She is survived by her husband, Dave; her four children: Jim (Shelley) Williamson of Auburn, WA; Rick (Kris) Williamson of Belfair, WA; Lori (Ken) Howard of Duck, West Virginia and Bill (Grace) Williamson of Norco, CA; and her “like-a-son”, Rob (Lynn) Jones of Lacey, WA; her grandchildren: Jesse, Cory, Abby, Libby, Jennifer, Stephanie, Cherise, Tara, Peyton and Katelyn, and their families; nine siblings, including those closest to her heart; Steve Sawyer, Marian Robinson, Chris Sawyer and Sharon Allen; their families, and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Sunday, May 17th, 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Normandy Park Cove.