Louise Swindell Locke

Wolfeboro, NH

Louise Swindell Locke, 91

Louise Swindell Locke passed away at home on Friday, February 15 after a brief illness.  She was born in Danvers, MA, the youngest of eleven children born to Burpee and Lena Swindell.

Louise grew up in Danvers and graduated from Lynn Hospital School of Nursing where she was a member of the last class of the Cadet Army Nurse Corps. It was while she was in training that she met Ron, the love of her life, on a double date. Upon graduation, Louise worked at Lynn Hospital. Ron and Louise were married in 1948 and when they moved to Ohio, Louise worked at Longview State Hospital in Cincinnati. With several moves she continued her nursing career at St. Elizabeth’s in Washington DC and New Hampshire Hospital where she retired.  After their retirement, Louise and husband, Ron settled in Wolfeboro for many enjoyable years.

Louise was a member of All Saints Church in Wolfeboro where she was active on various committees. Louise served as head of the Altar Guild, was a member of Episcopal Church Women, Women’s Worship, and a long- time volunteer at Lord & Tailor Thrift Shop. She enjoyed helping out at the fabric booth at the summer fair and assisting with the monthly Outreach Luncheon.

Louise’s great love was her family.  She loved to attend any and all events with her extended family. She was a lifetime sewer, meticulously sewing outfits for every day,

dress occasions, and costumes for family members.  In recent years she started quilting with ABC Quilts, a group which makes quilts for at-risk babies. In Wolfeboro she was active in the Ladies of the Lake Quilters Guild where she made quilted items for family members and for David’s House.

In addition to her husband of 70 years, family members include her children, Susan Pace of Lusby, MD; Barbara McCracken and her husband Bruce of Wolfeboro, and Ronald Locke Jr and his wife, Carol, of Oklahoma City, OK. Louise’s infectious smile will be missed by her grandchildren, Lisa Gadson of Lusby, MD; Karen McCracken Cegielski of Vernon CT; Gene Locke of Oklahoma City, OK and Scott McCracken of Brooklynn, NY.  as well as four great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Also missing her are sisters-in-law Rita Swindell and Mary Lou Swindell as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sisters Bernice, Bernadette, Rita and Helena and her brothers James, Frank, Wilfred, Elden, John and Burpee

A Memorial service will be held at All Saints Church in Wolfeboro on Saturday March 2, 2019 at 1:00pm.  Donations in Louise’s memory may be made to All Saints Church.

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