Louise "Nonie" Marie Rice
May 22, 1926 - November 19, 2013
Obituary
Louise Marie Rice was born May 22, 1926, in Seattle, to John and Giovina Camerota. She was the second of three children, with an older sister, Antoinette (Annie Genzale), and younger brother, John (Charlene). She attended Coleman Elementary School and graduated from Franklin High School.
She met her husband, Ray, at a freshman dance at the University of Washington in 1945. She gave him her phone number and he kept it and called her back, especially after his buddy, who had gone with him to the dance, expressed a little too much interest in Louise. They were married August 31, 1946, in Bellingham, WA, with Annie and John as witnesses.
Ray’s mother told Ray there was a little cottage for sale at Three-Tree Point in Burien so before the wedding, Ray and Louise pooled their monies and purchased the home and made it ready to live in for after the wedding. They intended to honeymoon in Vancouver, B.C. but after only a couple of days they decided to hurry back to their new home because they felt it was much nicer.
Shortly after their marriage, Ray’s job transferred him to Portland where the first of their children was born. Their son Mick (Candy) was born in November of the following year. A move back to Seattle followed and two more children, Annette and Wendy, were born. Ray worked for the Armour company and then through a friend became interested in a home fuel oil delivery business. After missing out on a purchase of a company to a son of the owner, Ray and Louise decided to start their own oil company and Seattle Oil was born. They worked hard to establish this business and even promised their children a dime for every customer they could sign up. Answering phones, bookkeeping, and typing statements became part of Louise’s everyday efforts as she was home with the children and Ray was out handling the deliveries.
When her children were grown and off to college, Louise desired to go back to school and get her degree. She attended the University of Washington and after several years graduated with a degree in social work. It was at this time she met many of her dear women friends, who through the years gathered regularly for lunch, talk, laughs, and support.
Louise had numerous interests- gardening, politics, traveling, reading, but her greatest interest was her family and extended family. She welcomed any invitation to a birthday or recital or sporting event, 1st Communion or wedding. If she was invited she would come and be the most enthusiastic supporter. At her passing, in the few days previous, she had attended two birthday parties for Ray, had finished all her Christmas shopping, and was packing for an upcoming Caribbean cruise.
In the latter 1990’s, Louise’s dream for a home on the water was realized and it became the center for family parties and events. The highlights of the year were the 4th of July and the Labor day Camerota family reunion. It brought her much joy and happiness to be surrounded by people in an atmosphere of celebration and fun.
Louise was blessed to have three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Lindsey), Joanna (Mike), and Christopher. She had a unique and special gift for making them feel loved. A great-grandson, Logan Ray Rice, was born in 2012, adding to the immeasurable depth of love she had for her family. They most affectionately called her ‘Nonie’.
Many words are needed to describe the legacy of the person she was – welcoming, friendly, humorous, compassionate, energetic, fun-loving, tireless- she deeply loved people. To the very end she lived a full and glorious life. She was beloved by all who knew her and we all will deeply miss her larger- than-life presence and the love she extended to each of us.
To Uncle Ray and Cousins,
We loved our Auntie Louise so very much. She was a pillar in our family and we will truly miss her. She taught us how we all should live our lives. She will forever be in our hearts!
Love you and rest in peace Auntie Weezy, Dena, Jeff, Ben & Lyndsie
Ray, Mickey, Annette, Wendy and Family,
I have such great memories of Louise–so full of life and positiveness with the biggest smile in the world. I am so sorry for your loss but know she has passed on that genuine personality to her kids and grandkids. RIP, Louise, and give my Dad a hug for me. What a great reunion is going on up there. Happy Thanksgiving.
I have known Louise for many years. We were both Crones…a group of women growing older with wisdom, strength and commitment to continue growth. For me she was an inspiration in seeing the joy she had in living. She had no problem in voicing her wants {we would laugh at the ferry worker who would try to get herto drive up the steep slop to the higher level” no way would she do it and they came to never ask her to. When my son was ill, she was there on the phone giving me encouragement and when he died the flowers she sent were beautiful.
She was proud of being an italian a true Italian. She will be missed. Bon Voyage dear dear unique, fearless friend. Marybeth
Mickey, Annette, Wendy, and Ray,
I fondly remember your mother from when Mickey and my various adventures would bring me to your place, in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. She was great … fun and always a treat to be around. My heart goes out to you at this sad time. I know that her personality will continue to shine through all of you, and your now growing families. My very best wishes to you all
Louise, we go way back, when I was a youngster.It was a big deal, when I would take my Mom over for to see Angelina, and those two had great times together, and every once and awhile, if Annie was there, you, John would drop in. I always admired you because I thought you were so pretty, and always so happy. You truly have left a Legacy, never to be forgotten. I will always remember during the month of November, we honor the deceased, not to also forget the parishioners who have left this earth, too. Life may Change, but Never Forgotten. May you rest in peace, take the rest of the love ones under your wing.
To my dear Auntie Louise,
We love you and you will be missed by all of us. Ever since I was a little girl I remember you being a happy, fun and loving Auntie. So generous in many ways. Thank you for being there for me during one of the most difficult times in my life, my cancer diagnoses. You truly were one of my biggest inspirations and I will always cherish our phone conversations and your help with my children when I needed you. We all of course have such fond memories of the Camerota family reunions and all the energy and love you put into our gatherings. We will also always remember the special times we came to visit you and Jeff, Carly and Kyle fished off the rocks. And what about Carly’s BIG salmon? Such a fun day and you were so excited for Carly that day! We love you Auntie and will remember you fondly for always. Please watch over our family and we know you will always be close to us in spirit.
Love, Carmen, Jeff, Carly and Kyle
Note correction of my middle name
Georgie Bright Kunkel