Louise Holdridge

She was born in Danbury, CT, where she was raised by her mother Harriette (Judson) Schwarzer and grandparents Ernest and Victoria Judson.

Louise attended Danbury High School and continued on to the University of Connecticut where she attained a bachelors degree in physical therapy. It was at UConn where she met her future husband, Alden Holdridge.

Louise and Alden were married in 1955. Their honeymoon included climbing Mount Washington and Mount Katahdin. They soon settled in Ledyard, in the house of Alden’s childhood. It would be her home for the next 70 years.

Louise dedicated her life to raising her family, often expressing how important that was to her. She loved her family and took pride in them.

Louise was skilled and crafty, preserving fruits and vegetables, sewing, making soap, and preparing and serving delicious meals. She lived the philosophy that homemade was better than store bought.

With their kids grown, Louise and Alden loved to explore out of the way places such as Appalachia, the Ozarks, and the Gaspe Peninsula. She was a lover of music, and she and Alden traveled to many bluegrass festivals.

She embraced the role of grandmother and great grandmother with the same love and dedication as she did mother. As our family’s matriarch she offered wisdom and guidance to us all.

Louise had the uncanny ability to break into song to sooth a fussy child. Undoubtably these songs had been sung to her many years ago and are now being sung by the next generation.

Louise was predeceased by her husband of 59 years Alden H. Holdridge and her daughter Elizabeth Holdridge Kniss.

She is survived by her brother Charles Brooks of Glendora, CA; Daughter Debbie (Dave) Vessels of Ledyard; Son-in-law Bob Kniss of Phippsburg, ME; Son Mark (Michelle) Holdridge of Phippsburg, ME; Grandson Tom (Cait) Vessels; Granddaughter Becky (Sam) Chandler; Granddaughter Vicky (Zack) Spicer; Grandson Dan (Lyndsey) Holdridge; Granddaughter Jenny Richard; Granddaughter Katie (Patrick) Gill; and Great grandchildren Hannah, Abraham, Nora, Alden, Autumn-Rose, Patrick Jr., Riley, Easton, Reid, and Owen.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday July 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Avery Stoddard Cemetery, 202 Stoddards Wharf Rd., Gales Ferry, CT. All are welcome.

To leave a message of condolence for Louise's family, please visit her memorial at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12935788

The Labenski Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements