Lydia Georges Stratton

1923 - 2014

Lydia Georges Stratton

Lydia Georges Stratton passed away peacefully on April 29, 2014 after a short illness. Born in Seattle on June 4, 1923, she was the eldest child of William and Johanna Georges. Her father, a pharmacist, was owner of the Rex Drugstores and a real estate investor. Lydia graduated from Wellesley College in 1944 and then attended the Yale Law School where she was one of only nine women in the entire school. Graduating with a JD degree in 1947, she married the love of her life and Yale classmate, Clifton Jairus Stratton, Jr. They settled in Washington, DC where Lydia wrote a column for the American Bar Association Journal and was a member of the District of Columbia Bar. Clifton began his legal career at Covington & Burling specializing in aviation law and then served as General Counsel to the Air Transport Association.

After her husband's untimely death in 1967, Lydia devoted herself to the growth and education of her three children, Cynthia, Jairus and Joanna. An avid student of the stock market, she also focused on family business matters and investments. In 1979, she returned to her Seattle roots and undertook the ambitious renovation and restoration of the Delmar Building in the heart of Pioneer Square. Reconfiguring the building while saving its historic character, she was among the first property owners in Pioneer Square to actively preserve a building there. She managed the Delmar and other family properties full-time over the next 32 years. A well-known fixture in the Square, she was a zealous advocate for the revitalization of this historic neighborhood.

Lydia was a very social person who was dedicated to her family and friends. Fiercely independent, she was always optimistic, generous and kind, with an innate ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. She relished the performing arts and was an avid collector of antiques, porcelain and Early American paintings of children. Her experience living in Washington, D.C. kindled a passion for politics, and she delighted in the give and take of a good discussion. Lydia traveled extensively when she was younger and relished summers spent on Cape Cod with her family. She lived a full and gratifying life, dearly loved by all who knew her.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Cynthia O'Malley (Martin) of Houston, C. Jairus Stratton, III (Winnie) of Seattle and Joanna "Jolie" Roze (Gatis) of Mercer Island, and by her seven grandchildren, Jairus O'Malley, Justin O'Malley, Garrett O'Malley, Clifton Stratton, Leland Stratton, Carter Stratton and Grayson Roze. She also leaves three great-grandchildren, including one named Lydia. A brother, Dr. James Georges, preceded her in death.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 2nd at 3:00pm at the Sunset Club, 1021 University St. (at Boren) in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Seattle Art Museum.