Louise Church Lowry

It is with heavy hearts and immense love that we announce Louise Church Lowry (lovingly called Weez), of Richland, WA, left this world to find eternal peace on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her presence will be dearly missed and her memory forever cherished by all who knew her.

She was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1946, in Bronxville, NY. Her family later moved to Michigan. Louise was the oldest of five children and was a free spirit. She spent her eighty years with rare independence and an unfenced heart. She lived in Brooklyn, NY; Sioux City, IA; Basin City, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA. She graduated from Kingswood School for Girls at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, MI, in 1964. After graduation, she briefly attended the University of Dubuque in IA. Mom briefly worked as a cook at a youth center in Sioux City, IA. She then worked as a writer for the Franklin County Graphic. Later, she worked as a guard at Camp Outlook in Connell, Washington. Afterward, Louise spent many years as a homemaker caring for her children. Whether she was gardening or painting, Louise lived with a spontaneity that inspired everyone who knew her. She didn't just walk through life; she explored it. She had an uncanny ability to find beauty in the unconventional and joy in the simplest moments. Louise was actively involved in the LDS Church in Basin City and Richland, WA. She loved art, nature, and animals. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking. She brought color and beauty to every space she lived in. An avid reader, she was often found surrounded by books she planned to read next. Louise loved playing the piano and singing her favorite songs.

Her artistic side was evident in her art and creativity. Those who surely greeted her with open arms preceded her in death: her parents, Margaret Woods Gillette and Louis Church Gillette; her two brothers, John Westfield Gillette and Samuel Baker Woods Gillette; and her sister, Margaret Gill Gillette. She is survived by her sister, Anne Gillette Bredouw (Jim Bredouw). She is also survived by her four daughters: Barbara Elizabeth Baker (Mark Baker), Phoebe Louise Wildenborg (Jim Wildenborg), Melyssa Mallonee (Jim Mallonee), and Harmony Love Lowry. Her three sons are Benjamin Hirsch (Anna Hirsch), Andrew Sean Lowry, and Michael James Lowry (Kimberley Lowry). Louise inspired many with her art. She leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She drew dreamy horses for her sister Anne as a child. She fostered her children's love of music and art by encouraging their creativity. Louise's love of art and nature, and a piece of her independent spirit, will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

The family thanks Jazzy, Brenda, and Jaxton for their care of Mom at home. We also thank Hospice Chaplaincy, Kadlec Oncology, and Kadlec Hospital for their compassion in her final days. Their dedicated care allowed Louise to maintain her dignity and spirited nature until the very end.

In keeping with her spirited nature, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (895 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA. 99352). There will be a reception on-site to follow. We invite you to wear something bright to honor the light she brought into our lives.

Reflections

Louise never had much money, but always found ways to create and give homemade, meaningful gifts at different times in her life. While her children were growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, she lovingly sewed dolls and stuffed animals for them and later made similar gifts for her grandchild, Caleb.

As a child, Louise had the opportunity to ride a Chincoteague pony in Virginia. This early experience sparked her love of horses, which she later shared with her siblings and, as an adult, with her children. This generational love of horses continues with some of her grandchildren today.

During her mid-adulthood, Louise trained as a birth coach and helped bring many babies into the world, playing a meaningful role in the lives of many families.

In the mid-1990s, Louise built her own three-bedroom home from the foundation up in Basin City, WA. She was proud of this accomplishment, as it provided her with a home and a place for her three youngest children during that phase of their lives.