S.Louise (nee Wright) Gazzara died July 31, 2013 following five weeks of compassionate care at Parmenter Hospice in Wayland, Mass. She was born in 1930 in Cortland NY and was the daughter of Sarah (Munson) & Lewis A. Wright.
Louise was a graduate of Crouse Irving School of Nursing and the College Nurse Practitioner Course at Brigham Young University. She served for many years as the Director of Nurses at Tufts University Health Services. She was also past President of the New England College Health Association (NECHA).
As an early Nurse Practitioner, she helped successfully advocate for an increasing role for the profession in the delivery of health care. NECHA honors her by bestowing an annual award in her name. She also served on the Board of Directors of the American College Health Association.
Louise was honored to be named a “Distinguished Alumni” of Cortland Junior Senior High School and a plaque in her honor was mounted at the school.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years Charles Gazzara of Marlborough, Mass, as well as five children: Sharon (Michael) Stevans of Cortland, NY; Deborah Gazzara of Oakland, CA.; Theresa (Chuck) Gazzara-Lucas of Colorado Springs, CO; Charles Gazzara of Windham, NH; and Amy (Jack) Cole of Reading Mass.
Also surviving are grandchildren: Cat Stevans; Christopher & Eric Gaulke; Ben Gazzara; and Alyssa & Jackie Cole; as well as great-grandaughter Piper Gaulke and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Albert Wright.
In retirement in Cape Coral Florida she and Charles were members of Betty’s Guys & Dolls- an active dance and entertainment troupe. Louise loved traveling and had visited all 50 states as well as seven continents.
A Funeral Service celebrating S. Louise’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10:30 am in the Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery, 175 Broadway, Malden. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family prior to the Service beginning at 9:30 am.
Donations in her memory may be sent to Parmenter Hospice, 266 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778.