Louise Holsapple Westover, 81, of New Haven,
Connecticut, passed away peacefully December 28, 2020 at CT Hospice of Branford.
She was born in New York City on March 10,1939 to the late Jonathan Livingston
and Louise (McKelvey) Holsapple.
Raised in Chappaqua, NY, Louise studied ballet and enjoyed a close knit group of
friends at Horace Greeley High School, where she played field hockey and sang in
the choir.
Through a partnership with Grace New Haven Hospital, she graduated from the
University of Connecticut with her BSN and began her nursing career at Yale New
Haven Hospital, where she remained for 40+ years as a clinical research nurse
and supervisor. Well respected by her peers for her remarkable patience, she
quietly led by example, never hesitating to offer herself as a test subject to
new nurses. Louise continued her education and obtained her Master’s Degree in
Public Health from SCSU. Her passion for nursing took her out into her community
as a Visiting Nurse in many underserved areas of the city. Following retirement
from YNHH, she took her education and experience into the field of Geriatric
Nursing where she focused on comfort care and dignity for nursing home
residents, as well as her own aging mother.
Louise landed in New Haven in the midst of the Civil Rights and Social Justice
movement of the 60’s, where she joined the Episcopal Church and became a
lifelong Democrat and New Haven resident. Louise was an active member of Battell
Chapel at Yale and, later, Trinity Church on The Green. She believed in treating
everyone equally and her faith and compassion extended beyond the church walls,
from volunteering at the Domestic Violence shelter, nurse for United Cerebral
Palsy sports, scout leader, school PTA member, and donating to countless
charities.
Although she had many significant health issues as an adult, she never let them
hold her back. Her faith, strength and grace always inspired those around her to
keep going as she did everyday of her life. A very-much-loved mother,
grandmother, great -grandmother, sister and friend, she gave of her time, her
home and her resources to ensure that the people in her life, and the lives of
her children and grandchildren, had a safe place to gather. Louise was known for
always making others feel welcome into her home and family.
She had a creative soul that would peek out through her whimsical art, matching
handmade outfits, and specially decorated teddy bear and castle cakes. When she
wasn’t baking her signature fudge or classic Christmas cookies, you would find
her relaxing with her animals, listening to music or simply reading. "Gobby", as
her grandchildren called her, vacationed at the local tennis tournament with
each of them having a special turn accompanying her. She also passed on her love
of gardening and the her famous apple pie recipe which culminated in her
planting her very own apple tree. She was kind, fun and thoughtful, never
forgetting to send a thank-you note or yearly Christmas card. You were lucky to
count her as a friend.
Louise is survived by her three children: Deborah Sullivan of New Haven,CT,
Kimberly McCarroll (Brian) of Mount Juliet, TN, Christopher B Westover (Lois) of
San Antonio, TX, grandchildren: Erin Sullivan (Mike), Patrick Sullivan, Katie
Sullivan (Shawn), Kimberly Sullivan, Brian McCarroll and great -grandchildren
Mikey and Maddie. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Sarubbi (Kenny) of
Roselle, IL, as well many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death
by her former husband and close lifelong friend Charles ("Chick") Bainbridge
Westover, Jr. and her many pets she rescued over the years.
|