Louise as We Remember Her

This picture is Louise as we remember her, basking in the love of her sister Fran and enjoying a day with family.

A Sister Goodbye

Louise and her sister Fran embrace and say their goodbyes during a 2008 summer visit from Fran and her family - husband, Dick, son Rick and daughter in law Karen. A few months later, Louise's health would take a turn for the worse, and she would more often be confined to bed.

Louise's Time to Relax

Anytime is nap time on a warm summer day for Louise in her retirement. A comfortable couch and fresh air on the sun porch are the best medicines.

Tender Loving Care for Louise

During her last year, Louise resided with her son Jerry and his wife Mary, in their home in St. Clair Shores, where she received tender loving care in her final days. With the help of Mario, family and hospice, Louise maintained her courage and smile.

Louise and Her Dream Home

Louise bought her bachelorette pad in 1988, a beautiful condominium in Clinton Township. Here, she would often have wonderful meals for her sons and family on special occasions. It was here that she was finally fully independent and living the single life for the very first time.

Louise and Friends

Louise really enjoyed her friends from the Clinton Township Senior Activity Center - here she is with friends JoAnn, Pauline and Ruth who came by to visit in the summer. Louise has always cherished her friends, and had many over the years. In young adulthood - her friend Betty served as Jerry's Godmother. Her friend Dorothy became Dave's Godmother. In most of the busy years, Shirley was her neighborhood buddy. Then when the nest was empty - Terry became her Casino and lunch sidekick.

For Seventeen Years, Louise and Mario

Mario Fabrizio met Louise through a mutual acquaintance in 1990. Both had lost their spouses but were ready to find companionship again. During the good times, they enjoyed many activities together (shopping for bargains and watching Lawrence Welk among others.) During the rough times, they saw each other through many illnesses. Louise and Mario took good care of each other during their seventeen years together. Had it been possible, they would have been together to the end, bless their hearts.

Louise and the Doctors, Klida

Louise spent most of her career working for Dr. Bruce McLeod, DC as an office manager. During this time Louise really enjoyed the people that came into the office. In no small way, the visit with Louise was a big part of the healing process for Dr. McLeod's patients. Louise always offered a compassionate ear and enjoyed her role in the office's professional operation. Louise's enthusiasm for Chiropractic had a big influence on her sons who both found their way into the profession of Chiropractic.

Vicki Grove and Aunt Louise

After having four boys between them, Louise and Fran were thrilled at the birth of Fran's daughter Vicki Louise Grove. Vicki and Louise enjoyed a close relationship over the years, and after Vicki moved to Arizona in 1983, she continued to lavish affection on her Auntie. Louise always loved the cards and presents from across the miles.

Grandma Lulu and William

Louise was blessed with four grandchildren, first came Michael Morris and Patrick Logghe, sons of Gene and David Klida. Next came Kathryn Townsend and William Duncan, children of Lisa and Jerry Klida. Here, Louise is seen giving William a little backup on Christmas of 2007.

May the Circle Be Unbroken

In December of 2007, Louise was visited by daughter in law Gene, grandson Michael and his girlfriend from the Boston area, Franchesca. It was a joyous moment for Louise as she could see life affirmed through her beloved grandson. Events like these remind us all of the deepest moments of intimacy in our own lives.

The Gift of Giving

Here is Louise in attendance of the wedding of her son David to Gene Logghe. Her radiance reminds us that mothers give life to their sons, and then give their sons to life.

Louise the Loving Daughter

Louise's parents, Margaret and Louis, loved their daughters beyond measure. This love was large enough to include sons in law Richard Grove and Kenneth Klida who they always treated like their own sons.

This picture was taken at the wedding of Louise's nephew Rick Grove to Karen Gleason. Both Rick and Karen were invaluable support and comfort to Louise in her final days, as well as a joy throughout her life.

Over the Years, Sisters Stay Close

When Louise's sister Fran and her husband Dick Grove moved to Arizona to live near son Michael and daughter Vicki, the sisters stayed close with daily phone calls and frequent visits. Here, Ken and Louise Klida and Fran and Dick Grove stand poolside at the new Grove residence in Phoenix, Arizona.

Louise and Her Sons

Louise and her sons, Jerry and Dave, here being photographed by husband, Ken, enjoy the family summer vacation to northern Michigan in 1966.

And David Makes Four

Louise's family was complete with the arrival of David James in 1955, who brought smiles to everyone.

And Then Along Came Jerry

Ken and Louise Klida were blessed with the birth of their first child, Gerald Dennis Klida, on December 14, 1952. Life would never be the same for this young couple.

Life Before Children Was Luxurious

There was more time for sunbathing and relaxing with family in the years before the Kilda children came along. Here is Louise providing a glam shot for the camera in her svelt, pre children composure.

Newlyweds Ken and Louise

Louise and Ken enjoyed time together. In the summers, visits to the country were one of life's highlights. In this picture it is clear to see that Louise was inseperable from Ken.

The Beautiful Bride, Louise

In 1950, Louise married Kenneth Klida, who grew up in Louise's neighborhood on the Detroit Eastside. Ken and Louise met as children, and began dating in High School. Ken would drive his Model A Ford across the school yard that separated their residences, so eager to see her, driving around the block took too much time. After the wedding, Louise and Ken honeymooned in Florida.

Always the Fashion Plate

Louise Marie Carotta was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on July 19, 1930. Her family moved to the Detroit Michigan area when she was six years old. The house in this picture is Louise's Aunt Norma's mother's home. Louise's mother, Margaret Carrota, and father, Louis Carrota, resided in the Detroit area for the remainder of their lives.