Louise Anderson's Obituary
Louise Anderson passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023 at her assisted living center in Westlake, Ohio. Her caring heart, her delightful sense of humor, and her passion for reading will be deeply missed.
Louise was born on May 27, 1933 to Isabel (McIntosh) and Ronald H. Howard and spent her childhood in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. She attended the University of New Brunswick Teachers College and taught second grade in St. John. While visiting her sister in New York City, she met her husband-to-be, Thomas P. Anderson.
Louise and Tom spent their early married life in Brooklyn, New York and Anchorage, Alaska, where she tutored Native American children in reading. Following several years in Ithaca, New York, they made North Olmsted, Ohio their home. Louise lovingly raised five children, instilling her passion for education and reading as she managed the family’s busy schedules. Miraculously, she found time to cultivate each child’s special interests, from art to piano to gymnastics.
As soon as her youngest child reached school age, Louise returned to college, earning a master’s degree with a specialization in reading education. Her subsequent career included teaching kindergarten and tutoring struggling readers.
Book club participation was a constant in Louise’s life. When she moved to an assisted living facility without a book club, she immediately organized one. A tireless advocate for her book club friends, she stocked their library with a wide variety of reading materials and large print editions. Friends and family will miss consulting Louise for her spot-on book recommendations.
Her family fondly remembers Louise’s unparalleled mac and cheese and her delicious pies. She preserved Tom’s abundant garden produce, ensuring a year-round supply of vegetables, fruit, and homemade jams. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a series of unique and charming cats.
Louise was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Thomas P. Anderson. She is survived by her children Beth Topinka, Jeffrey Anderson (Debbie), Peggy LaBoda (Chris), Linda Preston (Mark), and Eric Anderson (Mariann), her grandchildren George and Sam Asbeck; Lauren and Brian Anderson; Ryan and Corey Preston; Hannah, Sophia, and Jack Anderson; and her great-grandsons Matthew and Brady Knemeyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at North Olmsted United Methodist Church, 4600 Dover Center Rd, North Olmsted, OH on May 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM.
Donations in Louise’s memory can be made to:
-Friends of Porter Public Library, Westlake, Ohio
-North Olmsted United Methodist Church
What’s your fondest memory of Louise?
What’s a lesson you learned from Louise?
Share a story where Louise's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Louise you’ll never forget.
How did Louise make you smile?