Louise C. Gilbert

Louise passed away peacefully just days shy of celebrating her 68th wedding anniversary with her lifelong love, John. Their extraordinary love story began in Stokes State Forest, where John worked as a lifeguard and captured her heart. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and unwavering devotion.

Before her marriage, Louise worked as a bookkeeper in the banking industry. After starting her family she embraced her role as a homemaker while continuing to give generously to her community, where she volunteered in Paulinskill Lake and the local library assisting people with tax preparation. Louise was also a volunteer for the Swartswood Yacht Club where she helped with the races and was a participant in the races with her son Gary. She was a member of a Women’s Bridge Club for over 20 years and was an experienced player. She organized some of her friends to form an exercise group that met in her Rec room regularly. Louise loved the game of tennis and participated in tournaments at the Lake.

An athlete at heart, Louise loved sailing, water skiing, golf, and ice skating. Despite her dislike of cold weather, cherished family snowmobiling trips that became a favorite tradition.

Her life was enriched by her travels and the opportunities to live in diverse places during John’s 11 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. She spent four years in Spain, during which time her two beloved children were born. Louise’s travels took her to numerous countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and destinations across Europe and the Caribbean, but she always held a special fondness in her heart for Maui where she and John visited more than 50 times over the years.

Louise leaves fond memories to her beloved husband of 68 years, John E. Gilbert; her two children Michele Cutler and husband George W. Cutler III, and Gary A. Gilbert and wife Deborah M. Gilbert; and 4 loving nieces.