Louise Sue Stein (Kaplan), age 90, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026 — 25 years to the day of the passing of her one and only love — surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 30, 1935, in the Bronx, New York, to Tessie and Abraham Kaplan. Louise was the heart of her family and a steady source of love, warmth, and strength.
Louise grew up in New York, where she built a beautiful life and raised her family alongside her devoted husband, Wally. Family was always her greatest priority and deepest joy. In 1990, she relocated to Raleigh, where she continued to nurture close family bonds and create a welcoming home filled with love and laughter.
Louise possessed a deep inner strength and was fiercely protective of her family — her parents, sibling, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was fully present in every interaction, which is what drew people to her. She knew the preferences and personalities of each family member and tailored her time, activities, and conversations to make everyone feel seen and valued.
Louise found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cleaning, reading, playing mah jongg, and anything that sparkled or shined. She especially treasured family milestones and eagerly looked forward to weddings, births, and every gathering that brought her loved ones together.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wally; her brother and sister-in-law, Marty and Anita Kaplan; her son-in-law, Chuck Webster; and other cherished family members.
Louise leaves behind a lasting legacy of love through her children: Scott (Jenny) Stein, Jody (Chuck z”l) Webster, and Mindy (Craig) Lawton; her adored grandchildren: Lindsie (Tommy) Coleman, Kacee (Hov) Pierre Louis, Jared (Lexie) Stein, Brianne (Allison) Lawton, and Josh (Lizzy) Lawton; her treasured great-grandchildren: Laila, Tyler, Brielle, Pearl, Dahlia, and Ivoree; as well as her beloved nephew and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12:00pm. Shiva will be observed on Wednesday, January 28, 3:30 – 6:00 and Thursday, January 29, 1:00 – 4:00 at Louise’s house.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Raleigh in Louise’s memory.
