Louise Sophia Stark Maynard
- There was little to indicate that the meaning of her name, was a preview of the life she would have.
Louise means Warrior, and Sophia means Wise. Louise was both of those things in spades. Nevertheless, the single driving force in her life from birth to death was her unwavering assurance that she was LOVED by God…She faced her life from the point of view of being her Father’s favorite child.
She was a feminist from the time she was born, long before the word existed. There was not a job or experience she accepted to be off limits to her due to her gender. Louise was adventurous, ready at a moment’s notice to drop everything and go…wherever! The destination did not matter, it was only the unknown experiences that called her back over and over again. As a result, she traveled the world… Europe, Brazil, Africa. Much of it, she traveled in a yacht she refurbished herself, the Westward. She had a Vespa on it, and, at whatever port she fancied, she would disembark, don her self-designed gorgeous clothing, and go off to find some land adventures. She was multi lingual and multi-cultural before the word was coined. Louise was a unique blend of down to earth and incredible elegance. She was equally at home as the “mast monkey” on her yacht as she was in the embassy of whatever country she was visiting at that point in time.
Louise was gifted. It seemed that no matter what she put her hand to, she did it to a level of excellence and professionalism. She played two instruments, sang, painted, designed clothing including suits for her husband, she was an accomplished writer and a Bible scholar. She embraced world cuisine and was an accomplished and daring cook. Louise was dynamic and generous of spirit. She never locked her doors, and simply said that anyone could have anything she had if they had need of it.
Louise was quick tempered and visionary. Her use of freedom could be both constructive and destructive, but she walked in freedom every day of her life. Louise was the strongest of friends.
Louise was the fourth born of six siblings who have all pre-deceased her. Her two husbands and one great grandchild also pre-deceased her. She leaves two children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
She loved her family fiercely, unequivocally and without apology. She invested in her family’s dreams and hopes in practical and spiritual ways. She waged war with her loved ones when she thought it necessary for their wellbeing. Most importantly, she waged war with herself to challenge herself to grow and view the world through new eyes ongoing. At age 65, I recall her saying “I have asked God to show me myself, and not let it kill me”. What courage! What a warrior!
Her primary legacy to those she loved was to have faith in God’s Love. Everyone who had the fortune, and/or misfortune, of crossing her path, knew this within minutes of meeting her. She shared freely that God loves you no matter what; no matter who you are; no matter what you have done good or bad…That was always her most important message… She also engendered in us to: Speak out even when you are afraid, Work hard and strive to reach your wildest dreams, Study to show yourself approved, and Don’t let anyone bully you!
Our family has flourished because of Louise Sophia’s care, nurture, and yes, her mistakes. Her absence leaves a large void that cannot be filled by any other…Thank you Mama.
Please share some time with us on Friday, February 1, between 5 and 7:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, February 2, at 12:00 Noon at the Ledyard Union Cemetery, Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard.
To send a message of condolence or remembrance to her family, please click the link below.