Louise Richards Preissler of East Lyme, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly at Lawrence
and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT on June 11, 2018. Louise was born to Thomas and
Diana Richards on July 24, 1951 in East Orange, New Jersey. She grew up in Chatham
Township, NJ and graduated from Chatham Township High School in 1969. She graduated
from Tufts University in 1973 with a B.S. in Psychology and held an M.A. in Education from
Bridgewater State University.
Louise, who deeply cherished her family, leaves behind her beloved husband of 44 years,
Donald Preissler, three daughters, Linnaea Adams, Katherine Preissler, and Margaret Preissler,
son-in-law Michael Adams, grandchildren Wesley and Malcolm Adams, sisters Carol Cline and
Janet Molstad, mother Diana Richards, brother-in-law Edward Preissler, nieces Amanda Khu,
Kristen Molstad, and Natalie Cline, nephews Thomas Cline, and Hamilton Khu, and great-niece
Ophelia Rose Cline.
Louise was a writer and educator who spent decades working with young people to foster a
life-long love of writing, the natural world, and the arts. Before moving to Connecticut in 2006,
she worked as a Curriculum Developer for Mass Audubon for many years, helping to shape the
curriculum standards for environmental education in Massachusetts and train science teachers
across the region. In her retirement, Louise enjoyed volunteering as a Docent at the Lyman
Allyn Art Museum in New London, CT.
Louise’s smile and infectious laugh brightened any space she entered. All who knew her will
remember her profound kindness, which could be seen in her easy ability to make friends, care
for others, and foster community. She held especially dear the friends she made over the years
in Mattapoisett, MA, Sudbury, MA, and East Lyme, CT. Wherever she lived, she dedicated
countless hours in service of her chosen communities, volunteering on committees, leading
social groups, and being a generous neighbor to all. She loved to bring people together through
shared meals, games, and other social occasions. Her enthusiasm for life was unbounded.
Louise deeply treasured the natural world and could often be found in the outdoors. She loved
to walk along the boardwalk in Niantic and swim at Pleasant Lake in New Hampshire, where
she had been spending summers her whole life. She loved to travel with Don to see new places,
especially those that had opportunities for bird-watching and snorkeling. She loved literature
and was a non-stop reader. Louise cultivated lush gardens which attract hordes of butterflies
and birds, and which have been providing comfort to her family since her passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Louise’s memory with a donation to either
the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, CT or The Pleasant Lake Protective Association
in New London, NH.
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