Louise Shirley Rabel

Louise Shirley Rabel

Louise Shirley Rabel, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away gracefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Louise was born December, 12, 1937 in Calgary, Alberta to Cyril and Effie Billinger. She graduated Crescent Heights High School in 1955. Louise was an accomplished seamstress, cartographer, painter, model, interior decorator, and gardener.

She married Shel Luck, a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot, and they had two children, Lori and Sheldon. Work with United Airlines brought them to Washington State and they divorced, while living there. She then started her own company performing commercial interior design work.

Louise met Leigh Rabel on a blind date and after several years, they married on February 25, 1984. They made their first home on Mercer Island and later moved to West Seattle. Leigh and Louise had a 33 year marriage filled deeply with respect, friendship, and love. They enjoyed sailing their boat, exploring the Puget Sound, U.S. and the Gulf Islands. They also loved skiing and made a second home in Sun Valley where many of their good friends still live. They enjoyed Summer Symphony and the Fall Jazz Festival in the valley. The grandchildren she loved so much referred to her as, "Grandy Lou." She was a true gem.

Louise is survived by her loving husband, Leigh Rabel, 5 children; Lori Luck, Sheldon (Laura) Luck, Heather (Dave) Niemi, Laurel (Todd) Rabel-Waltier and Alison (Tom) Walsh; her brother, Jim (Marietta) Billinger, and 6 grandchildren; Samantha, Taylor, Andrew, Savannah, Sierra and Ian. She is proceeded in death by her grandson, Brenton Burkhart

Louise and her family wish to thank and acknowledge the love and support of Dr. Seth Franklin, Dr. Sheldon Goldberg, and Dr. Jason Gotlib. They also wish to thank the staff at Swedish Hospital 12th Floor Oncology Unit for their professional and gentle care.

An afternoon memorial with be held on Wednesday, March 15, at 2pm at the Sunset Club, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Leigh and Louise Rabel Foundation at the Seattle Foundation, 1601 Fifth Ave. Suite 1900, Seattle, WA 98101.