Louise Bloch Stern

Louise (Bloch) Stern, 96, passed away at home in Stamford, Connecticut on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born April 6, 1929, in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Elias and Sara (Green) Bloch.

Louise was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Harry Bloch and her bonus sister Carol Levine. Family lore has it that her father helped fund the rhinoplasty of a then-struggling young singer named Dino Paul Crocetti aka Dean Martin.

After graduating from Smith College In 1950, Louise headed to New York. ​W​orking as a buyer in the garment industry, she was introduced to the love of her life, the dashing Melvin Stern. They went on to share 53 years of devotion, adventure, travel, laughter, and love.

She is survived by her beloved children, Elaine Stern (Bruce Lipton), New York City; Deborah Stern, New York City; and Michael Stern (Robin), Providence, Rhode Island; grandchildren Sarah Stern Singh (Praveen), Lisa Stern and Julia Stern; and two great-grandchildren Avyan and Jiya. There are also her many, many nieces and nephews – blood and chosen – who knew her as their dear “Aunt Weezy.”

A Stamford resident since 1955, Louise knew just about everyone in town. She was the hostess with the moistest, who wasn’t happy unless she could get you a little something something. Her megawatt smile welcomed everyone who showed up at her door. Her parties were legendary and there was always an extra chair at her table. If you were in need, she was the first one on your doorstep with a brisket, soup, or maybe a corned beef and borscht from Rye Ridge Deli.

She was always up for anything fun - a visit, show, concert, lecture, walk and extensive travels. She played in her weekly bridge club right up until the end. If she had one fault, it was that she was perhaps the world’s worst driver, but she did it so cheerfully, it was hard to stay mad.

Louise was deeply involved in making the world a better place. When her husband had a heart attack in the early 70s, she was at the vanguard of learning a whole new way of ‘healthy heart’ cooking, which not only led to changing her family’s well-being, but she also created and taught cooking classes.

Very active in Jewish life, Louise volunteered in the Fellowship for Jewish Learning, many inter-religious dialogues, and the Stamford Jewish Historical Society. 

Just a few other highlights from her well-lived and well-loved life include obtaining her MA in Reading Education and then teaching in ​​the Stamford Public Schools. She was also President of Friends of the Ferguson Library for many years. Under her leadership, it initiated the Books for Babies program (which has grown), and she was recognized at the White House by First Lady Barbara Bush as part of Bush’s national family literacy campaign. She learned how to type Braille, and typed books for the blind, and supported the Stamford Symphony (now Orchestra Lumos), especially to support for young emerging artists and community outreach

Louise’s generosity was legendary. She lived by Anne Frank’s motto, “No one has

ever become poor by giving.” Look at just about any nonprofit donor list in town, and her name is probably there. In keeping with her kind nature, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Americares, The Ferguson Library, Orchestra Lumos or wherever you think the need is greatest. And don’t forget Senator Chris Murphy!

Louise was such a force of nature, we can’t quite believe she could possibly be gone. She brought a light to every room, making each of us feel that we shined too. We only hope we can carry her light forward.

A celebration of life service will be announced later.