Tula Trames

Born in Bellingham, WA to Gust and Mary Trames on March 12, 1942, Tula unexpectedly passed away on September 11, 2023, from pneumonia complications at the age of 81.

Tula’s family immigrated from Greece and settled in Bellingham during the 1920s. After graduation from Bellingham High in 1960, Tula went on to graduate from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Sociology in 1964. A significant part of Tula’s life was spent helping people attain their dream homes as a loan officer at Horizon Bank, starting there in the early ‘80s until her retirement in 2006.

Tula was a sparkling and vibrant person. She had a lifelong passion for reading and was active in the Birch Bay Book Club. Tula loved to travel, whether it was across the globe to England, Italy, and Greece, or closer to home to Arizona, Oregon, and along the West Coast. She enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, and walking. She made a mean batch of bacon and a great pot of lentil soup. Her movie knowledge was legendary and she would spend time with her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews watching movie classics like “The Godfather” and “Play Misty for Me”. Tula also loved the theater and for fifteen years, held season tickets to The Village Theater in Everett, WA where she, as part of her “Gang of 5”, went to enjoy live performances.

One of Tula's most defining characteristics was her unyielding compassion. She had an innate ability to connect with others on a deep, emotional level, making everyone she met feel valued and cherished.
Her caring nature was balanced by her beliefs. Tula never shied away from sharing her opinion with friends and family in a way that could be unflinchingly direct. Her words were a reflection of her genuine desire to foster understanding and dialogue, even in moments of disagreement.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Tom Trames and Bill Trames.

Tula is survived by her nephew Craig Trames, his wife Cindy Trames, their daughters Arianna and Athena; her niece Michele Trames Douglas, her husband Ryan Douglas, their sons Tobias and Zachary; and her loving extended family.

Tula was a beacon of love, kindness, and wisdom in our lives. Her legacy of compassion, her willingness to stand up for what she believed in, and her ability to bridge generations and cultures will continue to inspire us all. As we bid her farewell, let us remember her vibrant and loving spirit and strive to cultivate her legacy of warmth and understanding.

A visitation will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 20th at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church (510 E Sunset Dr.), followed by a funeral service at 11:30am. A graveside service will follow at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham. Reception to follow at St. Sophia's.