Lois Jean Przybylski | Obituary

1943–2023

Lois Jean (Budzeak) Przybylski lost her battle to complications of cancer on August 14, 2023, at the age of 80 years old.

Lois was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 15, 1943, to Henry and Stephie (Riske) Budzeak, being the first of seven children, and she was the eldest of 66 cousins in the extended Budzeak-Riske cousin clan.

Lois grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she and her six siblings were raised. Because Lois had so many younger brothers and sisters, Lois became a second mother to many of her siblings. Lois learned early on how to manage a large household, raise children, and open her heart to those in need. Lois learned the gift of hospitality at a young age, and it was something she practiced her entire life.

Right after high school, Lois moved to Seattle, Washington with her best friend Avis Larsen, and soon got a job at JC Penney. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ernie Przybylski. After one year of dating, they married on May 23, 1964, and had three beautiful daughters: Julie, Brenda, and Jodi, raising their family in Kent, Washington. Because Ernie worked for Boeing and because they were a well-liked couple, Seattle became a magnet for the rest of the family. Ernie and

Lois always had an open door to their home for family and friends to stay for an afternoon, a night, or long-term stay.

After Brenda was born, Lois reentered the workforce as a self-employed interior decorator with Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., working for them for 42 years. Lois started as an independent displayer and eventually built her own successful unit as a regional manager, managing hundreds of men and women, recruiting, and training other displayers on how they could have a career while working from home. Each of Lois’ daughters assisted her in all aspects of her career, learning many valuable lessons in hospitality, being respectful, inclusive, and knowing how to work hard.

Lois’ faith was incredibly important to her. Lois was a devoted Catholic her entire life, raising her family in the church. Lois and Ernie were very active in the church’s youth group, forming many long-lasting friendships with the “Quest staff ” and the “Enneagram” group. Lois made sure we all had a copy of the “Daily Bread” in our own homes to reflect on the day’s bible verses.

Camping and family gatherings were Lois’ favorite things in her life. Floating on the water at Sun Lakes with friends and family each summer filled her with joy. After Ernie retired from Boeing in 1999, and Lois retired from Home Interiors in 2012, they started spending their winters in Desert Hot Springs, California, and their summers in Moses Lake, Washington. Lois loved to plan events such as parties, showers, weddings, and the holidays. She also loved to read and created a book club with friends at her home in Moses Lake that continued for many years.

Lois is survived by her husband Ernie Przybylski; daughters Julie (Craig) Wasilewski, Brenda (Curt) Thompson, Jodi Emmens and Jeff Belcher; grandchildren Tyler (Abbi) Wasilewski, Sydney, and Alex Wasilewski, Samantha and Bailey Chelemedos (Caleb Daniels), Derek Thompson, Tristen Emmens, Logan Przybylski, and Aiden Belcher; and great-grandchild Eleanor Wasilewski. Also, siblings Darlene (Rick) Przybylski, Mary Ellen Barton, Gail Bergan, and Gary (Kathy) Budzeak, along with many nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her brother David, and sister Carol Hutton. In her final years, Lois was fortunate to have the love and support of Columbia Basin Hospital and Parkway Adult Family Home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Columbia Basin Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to invite everyone to join us for a celebration of life mass followed by a luncheon reception at St. Stephens Hall.

Service will be held on August 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephens the Martyr, 13055 SE 192nd St., Renton, WA 98058.