Mary Eizabeth (Wilson) DiJulio

Mary Elizabeth Wilson DiJulio was born in Seattle on November 24, 1920 and passed away peacefully in her home on Mercer Island on March 14, at the age of 95.  Mary Beth was one of four children born to James and Cecily Wilson, along with brothers James and John and identical twin sister Kathryn.  Mary Beth attended Holy Rosary elementary school and graduated from West Seattle High School.  She also attended the University of Washington.

After college, Mary Beth held a number of jobs, but most notably she and her sister Kathryn attained notoriety as Seattle’s first twin models, and in 1940, they obtained jobs that made them locally famous:  they were selected as elevator operators at the downtown Seattle Frederick & Nelson department store.  With their jet-black hair and radiant smiles, they made a striking combination.  The Frederick’s elevator operators were judiciously selected, all approximately 5’4” to 5’6” tall, and wearing high-fashion uniforms and white gloves; they set a classy and friendly tone for the store.

Mary Beth married George N. DiJulio on October 30, 1948 and after living in Renton for three years, the two settled in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of north Seattle until 1958 when they relocated to a larger home on Mercer Island, where Mary Beth lived for almost 60 years.  Mary Beth was preceded in death by George, her husband of 64 years, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.  Mary Beth is survived by her seven children:  George, Jr. (Mary Smersh, fiancé Mercer Island) of Redmond, Chris of Kirkland, Betsy Biehn (Dave), Pat (Mary), Doug (Regina), and Lisa Given (Bryce) all of Mercer Island, and Matthew (Julie) of Bellevue.  Additionally, there are 24 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Mary Beth’s passions in life revolved around her husband and family, her twin sister Kathryn, and her family.  She enjoyed playing golf, bridge, and sewing.  Mary Beth was also a founding member of the Mercerwood Shore Club Women’s Investment Group.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Monica’s Parish on Mercer, Island at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18 with a reception following in the Parish Hall.  Interment for family members will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle.  Funeral arrangements are being made through Columbia Funeral Home of Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances should be made to St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Evergreen Health (EvergreenHealth.com), or to the charity of your choice.