Marilou Price was born March 29, 1916, in Dallas, Texas. She died in her sleep Jan. 15, 2007, at Careage in Coupeville.

Marilou had a wonderful childhood and often spoke lovingly of her mother, father, sister and her three brothers. She graduated from college in Texas and then moved to Los Angeles, Calif., taking a job at Bullocks. She worked in the fashion industry for more than 50 years, buying for high-end department stores in L.A., Dallas, Spokane, Kansas City, Mo. and Memphis, Tenn.

In 1943 her sister died from complications from child birth. She adopted her nephew, Tom Hemba, and with the help of her mother, raised him as her own.

In 1988 she retired from the Memphis Wolf Bros. Department Store as store manager. She came to Whidbey Island and opened an antique store with her son. She worked that store for about 15 years, and loved every minute of it. She thoroughly enjoyed the people of Langley and made a lot of friends. She had a smile and a good word for everyone she met.

Marilou was a classy lady who enjoyed a long, full life. She will be missed. She is survived by her son Tom Hemba; her grandson and granddaughter Thomas Hemba and Annie Fusco; great-grandaughters Michelle and Michaela; great-grandson Julian Thomas Hemba; nieces Sue Melton, Julie Schnitzer, Dixie Rottler, Debbie Willinger and Linda Price; nephew John Price; and best friends Dyanne Dye and Denice Cameron.

The date of the memorial service will be announced later.