Louise Light Andrews
November 02, 1929 - March 01, 2015
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Louise Light Andrews
November 02, 1929 - March 01, 2015
Obituary
Louise L. Andrews
November 2, 1929 – March 1, 2015
Louise Light Andrews, age 85, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday morning, March 1, while at her beloved church in Bellingham, WA. She will be remembered by everyone who knew her for her kindness, beauty, grace and talent. She was a wonderful mother who didn’t speak unkindly of anyone, was always a calming presence, and was a loyal and helpful friend to so many.
Louise was born in Cornwall, PA to Elizabeth and Raymond Light as ‘Kathryn Louise.’ Her musical talent was noticed at an early age when she began taking piano lessons. She went on to become an extraordinary piano soloist and accompanist. In High School she took up the clarinet, bassoon and voice, playing in the marching band, singing in choir and accompanying and soloing on the piano. She attended Lebanon Valley College in Lebanon, PA, where she received her B.S. Degree in Music Education.
In the summer of 1952 Louise met the love of her life, Charles Andrews, while working as a waitress in Asbury Park, NJ. Although Charles was from the Bronx, NY and she from a small farming community in PA, their love grew and they were married in 1953. They settled in Westfield, NJ where Louise quickly became active with various music groups. She and Charles also enjoyed many sporting and outdoor activities together including tennis, biking, skiing, swimming and hiking. When the three children came along, they became the center of their lives, raising them with great love and introducing them to music, art, sports, Scouting, theater, the outdoors, Sunday school and doing for others. The family enjoyed many ski trips, YMCA summer family camps and trips to the Jersey Shore.
During her 35 years in Westfield, Louise was continuously involved with music, tennis and church activities. She was a long time member of the Presbyterian Church of Westfield, where she sang in the choir and often accompanied; the Musical Club of Westfield with which she soloed on the piano and accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists, and also served as President for two years; the Choral Arts Society with which she sang and accompanied; the Westfield Tennis Club, where she enjoyed many years of doubles tennis with Charles and other community couples. And, for eleven years she was the cherished accompanist of the Westfield Men’s Glee Club.
Louise moved to Roseland, NJ in 1995. She resided there until 2002 when she decided to move across the country to Bellingham, WA where she could be with her daughter, Carolyn and family. There she met a new community of musicians, neighbors and tennis friends. She became a member of the First Congregational Church and sang with the choir there. Louise enjoyed many years of doubles tennis at the Bellingham Tennis Club until just before she died. She attended concerts at the Mount Baker Theater, and also those held by the Bellingham Music Club. Her fingers stayed strong over the years, which allowed her to continue soloing and accompanying. Her audiences, big or small, family or community, were always delighted and very moved by her beautiful performances.
One of the greatest joys of Louise’s life was her five grandchildren, three children and two son-in-laws. She loved spending time with them and delighted in their many activities. Louise never missed a choir performance, tennis match, soccer tournament, basketball game, piano or dance recital, and even flew to Santa Cruz for special theatrical and piano performances! Nothing made her happier than being with her family, and she delighted in every opportunity to do just that.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Andrews, in 1985, and her brothers, Harold and Warren Light. She is survived by her son, Tom Andrews of Bellingham, her daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Jim Troutman of Bellingham, and Joan Andrews and Bruce Maurier of Santa Cruz, CA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Andrew, Elias and Kate Troutman, and Max and Jesse Maurier, as well as five nieces and one nephew, Grace, Cynthia, Skip and Sylvia Light, Betsy Barrett and Barbara Wesenberg.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Bellingham, WA on March 30, 2015 at 2:00 pm.
In honor of Louise’s support of the Music Clubs of Westfield and Bellingham, which offer scholarships to exceptional high school and college music students, the family asks that any donations be made to one of the following:
The Bellingham Music Club (or BMC) Student Awards Fund, P.O. Box 193, B’ham, WA 98227
The Musical Club of Westfield (memo line: Scholarship Fund,) 806 St. Marks Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 15, 3302 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: First Congregational Church
- Location: 2401 Cornwall Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
3 responses to Louise Light Andrews
Fred Eningowuk says:
March 1, 2015
Tom & Family,
For in the end, it’s not the years in life, but, the life in years! May you and your family reflect on the wonderful years and many many memories you have with your Beloved Mother Louis.
Sending you Tom thoughts and prayers and may you be blessed with comfort and peace in the coming months.
Love You Fred
Diane Staves says:
March 1, 2015
I first met Louise through a pianist friend. She told me about this “amazing pianist” that she had met. They wanted to form a casual music group, did I want to join? Well, after much arm twisting, I finally went. Louise played two exquisite pieces. I was completely intimidated by her flawless nuanced playing. But I was not intimidated by Louise herself. She was such a lady, so refined, so warm, so welcoming and so in love with music. She encouraged me, inspired me. Soon we grew to 10 members and called ourselves the Musical Notables. Louise was the glue. She set high standards for herself but was always warm and appreciative of our efforts, even when they were a bit on the stumbly side. Music was part of her soul, her essence. She had a stellar career as a professional accompanist. When God called her, she was just sitting down to accompany Mary on the Harpsichord. I can’t help but think that she was pleased that music was part of her life right to the very end. Miss you….
Marsha (McGinnis) Alan says:
March 1, 2015
Louise added a different dimension to life in Bellingham with her zest and love of life. Forever she will be remembered and I will hopefully age with grace as she did, she was an inspiration.Deepest sympathy,
Marsha