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Friday, June 1, 2018
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Kathy Harrigan posted a condolence
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Luanna and I worked as adjunct faculty together at SPSCC. We were not so far apart in age, but she was a mentor to me despite her very busy schedule. I began teaching there in the years just before she decided to work only one job as most of the rest of us do--her work at DSHS. Luanna had integrity and was someone to whom I could turn whenever I had questions about, for instance, the politics of our mini-culture; she understood the dynamics of relationships, the needs of her often tender students, and the sometimes complex environment in which we worked. Luanna taught with kindness and precision--with clear direction and expertise that should be a model for those who decide to or do teach. We shared the same political beliefs, large scale and small--had frequent short conversations on quiet evenings after our classes about a variety of life's mysteries. She left SPSCC very quietly--before I knew she was gone, actually. My guess was that she wanted no fan-fare. It is hard to believe that, so full of energy and curiosity about the workings of life, Luanna could be gone from life. I attended the memorial and thought it was beautifully put together--she would have appreciated it, I am sure. I write to say good bye to Luanna, and to express my own sadness--sadness that I know her children must feel very deeply for the passing of their remarkable mother.
C
Connie Mix @ DDD posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Luanna and I had such a special friendship. :-) Once a week we would look at the Farmer's Almanac and try to predict the weather!! We didn't really believe in the Farmer's Almanac two years ago but we relied on it by May of 2007!!
We also did had a lot of discussions on the dental industry and all the challenges of being dental patients. We each had opionions! Especially since Luanna was from Montana and I'm from Iowa...we each had plenty to say and agreed on so many things.
I miss her all the time as my cubicle is right across the aisle from her cube!!
We are all lucky to have had her in our lives!!!
C
Corey and Celeste Lindsay posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Christina (and family),
We are so sorry to hear of your mom's death, please know that we are thinking of you at this sad time. I will always remember how proud your mom was of you when we met in Spokane that year to do Bloomsday and you ran the race so well, and how happy the two of you looked together.
J
Jim Symons posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I remember Luanna from the 1970s when the Austin family were all active in the Community for Christian Celebration. She was smart, strong willed, compassionate, and a great mom. Long before global warming became an issue for most of us, Luanna insisted that all the CCC families conserve energy and recycle everything. Every Easter we celebrated outdoors at Priest Point Park, and Chris, Ian and Danny will remember that your family got there before anyone else to get a fire going to warm people on what was often a cold and rainy day. I share your sadness at the loss of a strong and loving woman.
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Gloria Pardo posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2007
My husband Jerry Marsh and I were extremely sad to hear about the death of our friend Luanna.
We both met Luanna when we worked at DSHS, DDD. We pursued our friendship outside the office when she joined our Friday Night Group, former DDD employee's for the most part, at any cocktail bar that would have us over the years - whenever she was free. But when she was able to join it was such fun to see her coming through the door with her bright hair and bright smile. She was always sure to spark up the conversation. We enjoyed many hours of grumbling about our Prez and his antics, and sometimes, she and I talked books and authors. She introduced me to one of her favorite books, My Antonia, by Willa Cather. It is now one of my favorites too.
And I always admired how she'd gas and load up her car and head back to Montanna at all times of year, in all kinds of weather; a brave and independent woman.
Jerry & I can't believe that we'll never see our friend Luanna again, but her memory will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
B
Beth Erkkila Gembus posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I knew Luanna in Montana when we were young girls. It happened because my parents, Jack and Ruth Erkkila, were very close friends of Luanna, Elaine, and Doug's parents, Lou and May Page. Many a Sunday dinner or Saturday night supper were shared by our families in the 1950's. It was especially memorable for me, I remember, because although I was the same as Luanna's brother Doug, and thus five years younger than she was, Luanna was always gracious and kind and treated me with friendship. Her sister Elaine was the same way. It made me so happy to be with these two older girls having conversations with them about school, our favorite books, or comparing our hobbies. What a nice girl she was and she went on to become an involved-in-life woman. Yes, Luanna Page made something of herself and contributed to our world. I know you, her children, will have much to rejoice in and recall about your mom.
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Alex Kistler MD posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
I met Luanna only briefly. Even though she was very ill I was touched by her beautiful soul.
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Frank Sanborn posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
I have known Luanna since she started working at DSHS and can say she was a true lady and a wonderful human being. I alway enjoyed our talks whether about politics, family, trees or water-systems. I'm sure she is still smilling her infectious, beautiful smile. She will be missed but never forgotten.
J
Jamer.....Jim and Jackie Lange posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Luanna, You will be missed not only by our community but by your many friends and members of the Olympia Branch of the Mountaineers. I had only been a co-instructor with you a couple of times and knew you would be an asset to our club and students in the club. Now my friend you are free to climb any mountain you choose and have a lot of great climbers on your rope team. Our prayers are with you and your family......(Jamer) Jim and Jackie Lange
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Bonnie Jacobs posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
"The Dream Girls" In the late 70s and early 80s Luanna was one of about eight of us who met to study Carl Jung's work and analyse our dreams. What fun we had while learning!
Luanna had a glow about her. You felt it when you would meet her on the street - her face would light up. It made you feel like a million!
Seneca wrote: "We must take care to live not merely a long life, but a full one; for living a long life requires only good fortune, but living a full life requires character. Long is the life that is fully lived; it is fulfilled only when the mind supplies its own good qualities and empowers itself from with."
Luanna lived a life fully lived! She will be missed and remembered by so many.
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Larry and Dol Kegg posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
So very sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with
you.
S
Sher Stecher posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
To Luanna's children:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked closely with your mom for about seven years. During that time, I came to realize that she was not entirely happy with Microsoft's Excel program, as I frequently assisted her in making the program behave properly. She and I shared an interest in health, as we both enjoyed walking around on our breaks. She and I endured the change to a new payroll system for about the last three years. Her patience in trying to get us all to comply with the new timelines and requirements was abundant. She had a great sense of humor even through all the frustrating changes. I will miss her very much.
L
Lorna Muchmore posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Luanna and I sat across from each other at the monthly DFA meetings. She always had a smile and a kind word for us Dems. This past May, my husband, Jerry (who is from Missoula) was organizing the annual Jefferson/Jackson dinner and we asked her to attend and sit at our table along with the Williamson's. It was her first JJ dinner and she looked so lovely in her green dress and told us she had a great evening.
Her gracious tribute from her children show what a super lady and Mom she was. We will miss her.
S
Sue Cabe posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I have worked with Luanna for twelve years. We talked daily and we quite often had to say we better get back to work. I just really enjoyed talking to her! She was very proud of her children and my heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear mother. I will miss her very much!
C
Colleen Wedam posted a condolence
Monday, July 9, 2007
Ian,
Ian, Your mother and I taught together for a short time at SPSCC. She welcomed me and was a wonderful lady, as you know. Our topic of conversation was usually you, of course. I am honored to have known and worked with her, a special lady.
Sincerely, Mrs. Wedam, your teacher at OHS
B
Barbara Brown posted a condolence
Monday, July 9, 2007
Luanna and I shared many conversations about property line disputes, exercise, staying fit, the complexities of the new personnel system and many many other topics that were of interest to both of us. I was both shocked and saddened to see the notice of her death in the Olympian. She was a bright and beautiful person who cared about the people she shared her life with. Her smile, laugh, and can do attitude will be missed by all who knew her. My heart goes out to her family, I can tell you had a wonderful relationship with your mother. BB
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Nancy Trask Tyrell posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2007
What a sad beginning to July, when June was full of hope for Luanna. We have lost an important Tri Delta sister, one of the stars in our crescent moon. Always loyal, supportive and encouraging--and fun.
Luanna, how we will miss you. Our thoughts and love are with your children.
All of your Theta Rho Tri Delta sisters
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Nancy Trask Tyrell posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2007
What a sad beginning to July, when June was full of hope for Luanna. We have lost an important Tri Delta sister, one of the stars in our crescent moon. Always loyal, supportive and encouraging--and fun.
Luanna, how we will miss you. Our thoughts and love are with your children.
All of your Theta Rho Tri Delta sisters
E
ELLEN HAUGEN OPPRECHT posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2007
What a poignant obituary ... perhaps it was a group effort on the part of Ian, Christina and Dan, and it captured Luanna's s spirit and intellect so beautifully. She was one of my bridesmaids and was a very fine Tri Delta Sister of mine. We lost touch for several years, but when we re-connected at the University of Montana two years ago, quite magically, we could pick up where we left off. We went back in time to when we were young at the Tri Delta house ... we compared notes about our children ... we laughed about the outrageous and crazy stories I'd make up just to amuse. When Arlys emailed me about her death, I felt as though I had been kicked in the stomach by someone wearing a heavy military boot. I hope to be in Montana in August. It would be such a pleasure to meet her family and personally express my love and admiration for such a fine and unique human being. My love and sympathy to all of you.
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Kathy Leitch posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2007
She will be sorely missed here at Aging and Disability Services Administration. A big thank you to her family for being with her during this difficult time.
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Betty Hauser posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2007
After Luanna left CIC she and I didn't stay friends, exactly, but we often ran into one another over the years. First of all, I loved the fact that she remembered me and that she was so easy to talk to. And I loved her laugh, a laugh I was never ready for but was free and open, always lurking beneath the surface even though it wasn't expected. I will miss her.
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Angie Frey posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2007
To the family of a wonderful woman: I worked only a short time with your mom but remember her with fondness. She was always there to help guide me through any questions I had as they come up. She was a special lady and we will miss her. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
C
Charlotte McDowell posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2007
To Luanna's Family: I was priviliged to know Luanna while she worked here with DDD. Luanna was always so intensely alive. It was a joy to share time with someone so cheerful and helpful. I wish I had known her better and I will miss her. May God comfort and keep each of you during this time of loss.
J
Joy Daugherty posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
To Luanna's Family: Luanna was a special person and I will miss her. She was always willing to help in whatever way possible. She took over the Human Resource responsibilities for me when I became a full time secretary. We attended several functions together. I admired her for her activity level...she was always busy doing something. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Barbara Cook posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
I loved Luanna! She was smart, direct, honest and articulate. It always gave me pleasure to be in her company. Her stories of Montana amazed me, a city girl through and through. Though we fell out of touch when her life took a different direction, when I thought of her it always made me smile to recollect the good fun we had together. I recently had a phone solicitation call from the Democrats and it was Luanna - a delightful surprise! We talked briefly and got caught up. It made my day to hear from my old friend by happenstance. I am shocked and so sad that she is gone too soon. Chris, Ian, Danny, you had a wonderful mom and now, in your sorrow, my heart goes out to you in sincere sympathy. You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
C
Charles H. Williams posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
I was one of Luanna's new acquaintances. We met at Walt Bowen's DFA group last year and saw each other at the Thurston County Democrats Central Committee meetings.
She and I agreed a number of issues--most recently on the impeachment of George W. Bush ("Not enough votes in the Senate for conviction--instead let's prosecute him and Dick Cheney at the Hague for prosecuting a war of aggression and committing other war crimes!").
I hadn't known about her illness, so I was genuinely shocked to hear of her death. The community has certainly lost one of its best citizens.
K
Kitty Winkley posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Dear Ian, Christina and Dan. Thank you for sharing your mother with us for the past few years. Luanna and I had lots of laughs as we had lots in common. My husband and sister were born in Ekalaka, Montana and his sister Kay managed the Hot Spring Resort/Motel (such as it is) in Hot Springs, Montana for 4 years up until February of 2005. You can imagin the conversations and laughs we had. I shall miss her terribly and wish that I could have been of some comfort. She has great kids and they are a credit to their mom. God bless
Hugs to you all Kitty
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Patricia Hamilton, Olympia, WA posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
To Luanna's family I extend my prayers of peace and comfort to you. She was such a wonderful friend to me along my journey and so supportive - and oh the delightful parking lot encounters and discussions were so amazing - I will miss her. "...the clarity and care with which we have loved others will speak with vitality of the great gift of life we have been for each other."
D
Denise Dansereau posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Luanna was a good person kind, helpfull and always had a story to tell she talked about her children, her hiking, her gardening and politics you could tell how much she loved life, she even took time out from her walks to smell the flowers sometimes she would take a peice of the flower and put it in a jar and take it to work with her then she would ask Sue and I if we knew what it was. I think she was just testing us. I will miss her tremendously I feel very fortunate to have know her and she will always be in my memories.
K
Kevin Kernan posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Luanna had many interests and I enjoyed talking to her about a wide variety of things from sports and the outdoors to travel and politics. She was always available to help staff out in any personnel issues here. She will be missed very much.
C
Chris Coleman posted a condolence
Thursday, July 5, 2007
To Luanna's Family: I've known and worked with Luanna since 1993. We had many great conversations (not just about politics) and shared The New Yorker back and forth for many years. Luanna was a lovely person who always had a smile for you, and she would do her best to help you whenever you needed her. I was fortunate to have known her and will miss her soft and gentle soul. Peace be with you, Luanna.
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