Louise Cromwell

Louise Cromwell Owner of Seattle's Athenian Inn restaurant at Pike Place Market for more than 50 years, greeted each customer with her sunny personality and a cheery "Good Morning!" She loved the bustling atmosphere of the Market as she wound her way through the vendor stalls, musicians and shops each day on her way to work. At age 91, she still worked part-time at the Athenian, going from table to table, chatting with the restaurant's colorful regulars and new customers who quickly became new friends. Louise M. Cromwell died Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Mirabella Retirement Center in Seattle after a brief illness. She was known as the Market's "Miss Perky," who still walked with a jaunty spring in her step and who liked a good joke or silly cartoon. She loved driving around Seattle in her Mini Cooper and went recently went bowling with friends. But it was her unassuming grace that drew people to her. She donated to many charities, but never spoke of her philanthropy. Louise was born and raised in Tacoma's Old Town district, and often worked in her father's fish market. She loved ice skating and sledding down the 30th Street hill. Standing at just 4' 10", she nearly disappeared behind the Athenian's antique bar. With her trademark silvery-white hair and red glasses, Louise was a well-known figure in Seattle. Recently, Louise was honored by being crowned "Queen Of The Pike Place Market" by the people she knew so well, those who lived and worked there. Pike Place security officers, vendors, janitors, restauranteurs and other business owners were her second family, and the Market was her second home. She affectionately called the servers and staff at the Athenian "my kids". Louise, along with her husband Bob, bought the Athenian Inn in 1963. Over the years they bought out the jewelry store and the Chinese restaurant that occupied part of the first floor and added a second level. Louise did the bookwork at night after a full day's work in the downtown corporate office of a Seattle lumber company. Bob ran the Athenian and was head chef. Soon the Athenian's reputation for great food and a spectacular view grew, drawing luminaries from The Rolling Stones to Cesar Romero. When Rob Reiner was scouting locations for the movie 'Sleepless In Seattle' he chose the Athenian for its old-time Seattle charm and gritty ambiance. He asked Louise to be an extra in the scene. As Reiner and Tom Hanks discuss their love lives in the movie, Louise can be seen walking toward them, menu in hand. After Bob died, Louise, then in her mid-80s, took over the operation and management of the restaurant. She has to learn quickly and by osmosis. She filled the famous ten cent coffee cups, waited tables, took orders and bused tables, always with a warm smile. Louise retired in April 2011, and the Athenian Inn will never be the same without her cheerful presence and shy smile. Louise M. Cromwell was predeceased by her husband, Robert O. Cromwell; her parents Michael and Pauline Marush of Tacoma; her brothers, Mark Marush and Arthur Marush Sr.; and her sister Pauline Marush Markham. She is survived by her sisters, Alma Gray of Tacoma and Mary Bonneville of Gig Harbor; her nephews Arthur Marush of Long Island, New York; Charles Marush of Seattle; and her nieces, Nora Linbo of Tacoma; Victoria Bonneville of Seaside, Oregon and Donna Marush of Seattle. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Saint Anne's Catholic Church, 1411 First Avenue West, Seattle at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a celebration of Louise's life at Pike Place Bar and Grill, 90 Pike Street, Seattle from 7 to 9 p.m. the same day. Louise's family invites all who knew and loved Louise to attend both events. Donations may be made to the Pike Place Market Foundation in Louise Cromwell's name. Funeral arrangements by Hoffner, Fisher and Harvey Funeral Home, Seattle, WA.