One of the most beautiful women God ever created has returned to Him. Louise Stukas, 92, of Kennebunk, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sept. 27, 2023. She was born on March 6,1931, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Sidney and Alma (Leavitt) Spinney. Louise grew up in Eliot, Maine, and she graduated from Eliot High School in 1949. She attended Eastern Nazarene College and graduated from New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.
Louise met Bob Stukas at the Eliot Nazarene Church when Bob walked in and thought she was “the most beautiful pianist he had ever seen or heard.” They married in 1956 in Boulder City, Nevada. Bob’s 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force took them to several different locations. At each, Louise worked as an ER nurse until she had their children, Karen and Janet, in Glasgow, Montana.
After that, she joyfully thrived as a mom. When asked, “What do you do?” she would proudly reply, “I’m a mother! So I’m a teacher, a nurse, an adventure guide, a confidence builder, a cook, a plumber, an engineer, a developer, and an explorer.” Indeed, she was all of those. She was an extraordinary mother and role model to her daughters.
As her kids grew, she volunteered in their classrooms, chaperoned field trips and helped with school projects. Every kid wanted to be in Mrs. Stukas’ group because she was gentle, kind, and pretty. Her smile was reflected in each child’s eyes. She also filled her days as a successful real estate broker, a private-duty nurse, and a community health volunteer.
Louise adored her two grandchildren, Michael and Katie. They were her pride and joy, and she relished every second she spent with them. She taught them a love of learning, an appreciation for animals, and the importance of compassion. They are better people because of her. We all are.
Faith was the backbone of Louise’s life. She grew up in the Nazarene Church and later found a wonderful church family at the Kennebunk Baptist Church. She and Bob attended every Sunday for as long as they physically could. After that, their friend Judy delivered a bulletin to their home after each service, and others would call and visit often. Toward the end of her life, her faith, family and friends carried her.
Louise was kind, beautiful, classy, gracious, appreciative, smart, strong, and so much fun. People simply gravitated to her. She was the life of the party, especially if there was a piano around. Her care and compassion for others was unparalleled. She loved her family, the ocean, dogs, lobster and a Titos and tonic in her rocking chair at Gooch’s Beach. When she had all of those together, she was in her “Heaven on earth.”
Louise is survived by her daughters Karen Sadler and Janet (Dana) Thurston; granddaughter Katie Sadler; nieces Joyce (Jim) Dove and Judy (Frank) Jewett; nephew Dennis (Linda) Spinney; and several great nephews and great nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Stukas; her grandson, Michael Sadler; her son-in-law, David Sadler; her brother, Robert Spinney; her nephew, Paul Spinney; and her parents.
Her family would like to thank Louise’s neighbors and friends, near and far, for embracing her with love and kindness over the years. She always said, “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by good people.” Rest in peace, dear Louise. We’re the lucky ones to have had you. You will be missed, loved, and always remembered.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
– Timothy II 4:7
The family will receive visitors at Bibber Funeral Home in Kennebunk on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. A beachside service at Gooch’s Beach will be held the following day on Friday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m., featuring the Women of Note trio. All are welcome.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit Louise’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.
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