Frances Louise Kappenman
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.
18 Responses to “Frances Louise Kappenman”
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The world is a little colder since she left us!
This is a beautiful tribute to a woman who was so beloved by so many. My deepest sympathies to Dave, Jim, Rick, Lori, Boom and families for your loss. We share your grief.
Rest easy, Auntie.
Much Love,
Julie, Patrick, Mike, Matt & Meg
So thankful she was part of our lives! We will miss her,
What a wonderful person Louise was. A true friend to everyone she met. Sally and I will miss her.
As the eldest of the “cousins” – I have many great memories of our “cousin’ parties…which we had frequently when we were younger….Louise and I had the same middle names, after our Grandmother Louise Bartlett Sawyer (although the marriage certificate called her Lulu) – I called Louise and myself Lulu for fun. Thanks to technology – we were able to keep in touch…I miss her now and so thankful she was my beautiful cousin…
Dear Sweet Aunt Louise,
It is still so unbelievable that you are not here! You’ve been an incredible role model to me!
I am so grateful for the time I spent with you throughout my childhood. These are some of my best memories!
Thank you for all you did for me. Always defending me, ready to take on anyone who hurt me. Thank you for your unconditional love and support!
Thank you for all you taught me about loving your family fiercely, respecting and enjoying your kids, enjoying life, and opening you heart to new adventure and to people!
I admire your relationship with Dave. You truly love and respect each other, have fun together. It was always very evident how much you adore each other!
I’m glad I got to spend time with you at your birthday and at the hospital! Thank you for the best memories. I will miss you!
❤️Bean
Dave, Jim, Rick, Lori, Boom and families,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! I can’t think of a time of crisis I wasn’t on the phone with Louise, she was the best sister to Sharon, and an absolute Godsend to Ken and I. We will be forever grateful to her and Dave for all their love and support.
Louise was larger than life, her smile, laughter and “signature four letter word” will be missed greatly.
We will hold on tightly to the beautiful memories we were so blessed to have with her, and continue her “legacy” of family gatherings ❤️
Warmest Regards,
Ken & Linda Friddle
To my cuz Dave, Wilma and I are so sorry to here this news. We admired you and Lou such fun and happy people. Will never forget you playing music and waltzing with my mom, she was so happy that nite. You will be in our thoughts
I was shocked to see this and want Louise family to know what a wonderful lady I thought she was! She was always so delightful whenever I saw her in Quilcene at my in laws Al and Starla Audette lovely home for the annual gathering of friends and family. Dave and family my deepest condolences!!
Much love Pamela Audette
Sincere Sympathy to cousin Dave. We have had so many good times with you and Louise. Family reunions. And visiting you 2 in Yuma in 2017—–Louise was the hostess with the mostess. What a wonderful, beautiful, fun lady. God Bless all your family.
Shocked and so sad to hear this news. She was a classmate of mine and I always looked forward to seeing her at our get-togethers and also times together in Yuma. Dave, please keep in contact with her classmates, your friends too! So sorry!
I had the privilege of becoming a friend of Louise’s through my life long family friendship with Dave. Louise was so welcoming and easy to be around. Louise and Dave made an amazing team. I will treasure our visits in San Diego and in Yuma;Louise was always a joy. It was obvious how much she and Dave loved each other. Although I know that Louise’s light will go on in memory, it is dimmer now. Prayers of strength and serenity to Dave and to all who loved and knew Louise.
Love, Trisha
Aunt louise ♥️ You are missed by so many. Your love for life & your family was big. I always loved hearing your stories & the times I got to visit with you. You were a good aunt & have always checked on me & kept contact with me & my family. Thank you for making the trek to my house whenever you could. Thank you so much for your love. The world lost a great one..
Sorry for your loss Dave, Rick, Jim , Lori & boom
I am saddened to here of the loss of Louise. Dave and my husband Elliott both worked at POS for many years. When Elliott passed in 2017 Dave and Louise were very supportive in helping me handle his loss. Rest In Peace dear Louise. My condolences to all family members. If I can help in some way feel free to contact me.
We loved Louse! She always welcomed us when we spent time with her, Dave, and the Port of Seattle group of retiree’s in Quilcene, and while visiting in Yuma.
Always ready to give a hug, share fun memories, and delicious homemade meals.
Our hearts hurt with Dave and her family during this time.
Thanking God that we were blessed with her friendship.❤️
Barb and Don Jussero
We loved Louse! She always welcomed us when we spent time with her, Dave, and the Port of Seattle group of retiree’s in Quilcene, and while visiting in Yuma.
Always ready to give a hug, share fun memories, and delicious homemade meals.
Our hearts hurt with Dave and her family during this time.
Thanking God that we were blessed with her friendship.❤️
Barb and Don Jussero
We will forever hold Lou in our hearts and memories. Many wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
I am saddened to hear the news of Louise! See was such a fun lady who made the most wonderful food! I still make her shellup cornbread all the time! Everyone loves it! Condolences to you and family! We will see you at her celebration of life in May! Hugs to you all!
Reality really huts so I will pretend you are having fun in the sun in Arizona . So many memories but the one that sticks out is teaching you to sail and drinking champagne while doing it. Then taking a bottle and some raw octopus up to my mom , your aunt Virginia, just for fun She loved you. Thanks so much. Pudge ( Theresa)