Louise Clayton Dubofsky
After 93 years of living life to the fullest, Louise Clayton Dubofsky passed away peacefully on April 13, 2010. She left a great legacy of children (Lynne, Margo, Dean and Clay) and grandchildren (Jan, Beth, Eric and Garrett). Lou lived on Mercer Island since 1970. A memorial service was held on April 16 at Sunrise Assisted Living with all of her children, grandchildren and other wonderful and supportive members of her family and friends. Lou was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She never missed a day of school in twelve years. This accomplishment was carried in several newspapers across the nation. At the other end of the country in Connecticut, a high student named Bernie Dubofsky saw the article. He told his friends he was going to marry that girl. Seven years later – as luck would have it – they happened to both attend a USO bridge social. Lou was one of the hostesses and spotted a man she had never seen before sitting at a card table across the room. While keenly aware of the strict USO rules forbidding hostesses from dating soldiers, Lou went one big step farther. She told the Event Coordinator this was the man she was going to marry. So much for rules! Bernie Dubofsky and Lou were married 29 days later on December 24, 1942, and the marriage lasted over 50 years until Bernie’s death in 1999. Lou was not only a registered nurse, but she earned a BS in Home Economics from the University of Utah and later returned for classes in tailoring. She did all this even though she was a full-time mom caring for her three little kids. Lou was a member and officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary with a tireless dedication to the Veterans. She made granny-square lap robes for over 25 years, and stopped counting years ago when she had made and donated over 300 lap robes for the Veterans. In her words, “It was especially gratifying when a Veteran would ask for one of my lap robes. They were always so appreciative. Their eyes would sparkle and they would smile to think they could have one!” Originally her work supported the Mercer Island Auxiliary, then later to the Skyway Auxiliary Post 9730. Lou also helped Bernie when he was VFW Post Commander, especially judging Voice of America writing contests.Lou also made her family and special friends beautiful baby blankets with exquisite hand-embroidered designs around the edges. A true multi-tasker, Lou crocheted and embroidered at the same time as she watched the Packers and the Seahawks on TV. And she never missing a stitch, no matter how exciting the game.Lou was involved with the Job’s Daughter in her youth and continued the tradition with her two daughters. She was also her daughters’ Girl Scout troop leader, participated in her eldest son’s DeMolay activities, and held ofÿ cer in the Eastern Star. Lou loved to play cards, especially bridge, canasta, rummy and blackjack. She was an accomplished bowler until she had to stop at age 70. She gardened, enjoying her roses, rhododendrons, lilacs and Bernie’s iris. And with all her activities and family events, she still took time out to drive cancer patients to their treatments.Lou will be sorely missed by her family and her friends. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Skyway VFW Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 78231, Seattle Washington 98178.
