Louise Martha Norris Breen, 92, of North Andover, Massachusetts, died on Sunday November 9th, surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born on February 22, 1922 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the second child of Dr. Rolf Clarke Norris and Margaret Cardigan Norris. She attended Colby Junior College for Women where she served as Vice-President of her class. Louise graduated from Wellesley College in 1943 with a degree in Sociology. Like many women of her day, Louise went to work supporting the war effort: she worked at the radiation laboratory at M.I.T. during World War II. Louise married Daniel Brackett Breen on October 3, 1945. Once Daniel finished up his service in the U.S. Navy, they settled in their home in North Andover where they raised ten children.
Louise became a nursery school teacher, a career for which she was perfectly suited. She taught at the Greater Lawrence Vocational School in their early childhood education program mentoring young teenager mothers. She served as teacher and director of the Living Loving Learning Preschool at the West Parish Church in Andover. She believed in the development of the mind through play. Children were drawn to her. She delighted in their joy of discovery. She reassured many a nervous parent about the development of their children.
Louise volunteered extensively in the community. She was active in the Franklin School Parent Teachers Association, the Cub Scouts, Brownies, A Better Chance program, and the League of Women Voters. After retiring, Louise continued to volunteer at the North Andover Thrift Shop and the People’s Pantry. She served on many boards in the area, including Family Cooperative Pre-School where most of her children and grandchildren attended. She received the Family Service Association of Greater Lawrence community service award in 1996. She valued education and understood its transformative effect. Louise volunteered at Atkinson School and Franklin School in the Great Books program and was a reading buddy for many years.
Louise always made time for other people. Her gentle spirit and reassuring words, nurtured all whom she met. Her beautiful smile warmed your heart. She was the embodiment of the active healthy life. She loved the outdoors and taught us to experience nature every day for quiet contemplation and to restore our souls. Louise exercised before it became fashionable to do so. Louise enjoyed walking on Ogunquit beach, the Marginal Way, around Franklin School, and around the North Andover Common. She enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren. She knitted sweaters and hats that we cherish. Louise enjoyed watching birds. Louise was a wonderful grandmother volunteering in their classrooms and attending their performances and sporting events. She welcomed her grandchildren into her home. She didn’t mind if they were messy or loud. She and Daniel were faithful fans at North Andover basketball, soccer, and field hockey games. Louise has left a treasure trove of photographs neatly organized for all to enjoy. Louise was exceptionally interested in other people and what was going on in the world. She truly was a lifelong learner. Louise taught us to embrace life’s precious moments spent with family. She thoroughly enjoyed summers in Ogunquit, Maine.
Louise’s roommate wrote to Louise in 1939 “What a wonderful world this would be if everyone had your grand disposition you have! Keep spreading happiness wherever you go; it always brings us joy.”
Louise was predeceased by her loving husband Daniel in 2012 after sixty-six years of marriage. Louise is survived by her ten children: Daniel Jr., Stephen and Donna, Allan and Cathy, Margaret and Brent Chandler, Peter and Kerry, Andrew and Joan, Nancy and Eva DiHarce, Carol and Tjitse Boringa, Mary and Eileen Prescott, and Susan and Mary Dussault; and grandchildren Daniel III, Colby and Joey, Megan and husband Brian, Laura and husband David, Jenny and husband Brad, Andrew, Laurie, David, Courtney, Kristen, Lindsay and husband Ryan, Travis, Timothy Daniel, Louise Norris, Katherine Louise, Ryan, Brandon, and Alie; great-grandchildren Aidan, Lucy, Jack, Tyler, Harrison, Brooke Daniel, and Elyse. Louise was the mother-in-law of the late Karen Colby Breen and the grandmother of the late Michael Daniel Winston. Louise was predeceased by her brother Allan Cogswell Norris and sister Mildred and her husband Irving Franklin.
Arrangements: Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Louise’s life on Friday, November 14, 2014 at the North Parish Church, 190 Academy Road at 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Private burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Methuen, Massachusetts. Arrangements are being provided by John Breen funeral home, www.breenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Family Cooperative Preschool, Family Service Association of Greater Lawrence, or a charity of your choice.