She came by her sense of adventure honestly, born to Bill and Alma Park, who had met while skating on a frozen lake in Nome, Alaska, during the Gold Rush. Bill and Alma settled in the wilderness of Medina in 1917 and Elizabeth was born in 1929. She graduated from Forest Ridge school in Seattle, studied piano at Cornish College of the Arts and attended Seattle University and the University of Washington.

In her 20s she spent a year in Europe, continuing her piano studies in Salzburg. She then headed the other direction, to Honolulu, where she met a local fellow named Tom Luis. After a whirlwind courtship Tom and Elizabeth married and settled back in the old home town of Medina. Then the children arrived: five in eight years. While looking after this brood she became the neighborhood piano teacher and all-purpose community volunteer.

Before they owned a house of their own, Tom and Elizabeth purchased a spectacular piece of waterfront property on Sunrise Drive on Bainbridge Island. For 20 years it was a campsite in the summer, and they finally completed their dream home in 1978. Elizabeth dove right into her new life on Bainbridge, becoming very active at St. Cecilia’s parish, playing piano for rehearsals and performances for Bainbridge Performing Arts and volunteering with Helpline House. Although she lost Tom in 1997, Elizabeth was able to enjoy her views of Puget Sound until just six months ago.

Elizabeth leaves behind her children, Catherine (Sam) Hardy, Maureen Stivers, Michael (Maryann) Luis, Angela (Dan) Dougherty and Teresa Luis; grandchildren Sean (Jillian), Melanie, Andrea and Leonora, and great granddaughter Juniper Elizabeth. She also leaves behind the many friends who touched her life and, in turn, were touched by hers.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Wyatt House and CHI Franciscan Hospice and those who came to visit and pray by her side and give her a proper send-off.

Remembrances in Elizabeth’s name may be made to Helpline House.