Lou Wolfe, a big light in our lives, passed away on December 17th, 2011, as a result of heart surgery-related complications. Her immediate family was at her side. Lou was born on a farm in Ringling, OK. As a child she and her family were part of the “Dust Bowl” generation who migrated to California seeking a means for their family to survive. They picked fruit and cotton, travelling up and down the California valleys living in tent camps and, eventually, through pure guts and determination, established their life. That tenacious spirit always drove Lou. Quit or back off was not part of her lexicon. She was always willing to take that extra step to assure the task at hand was not only completed but done professionally and with class. Her work ethic was amazing.
A good friend describes Lou as “The Neighborhood Mom.” That is a very fitting description. Her neighborhood was broad. She raised not only her husband and five children but many young people who came to live in her home as well. Some for only a short time, many for years and years. She loved each of us deeply, worried about us constantly and prayed for us continually. Our lives were always filled with family, good food, laughter, and the knowledge that she was always there when we needed her. Lou was truly a vivacious woman. She loved every bit of life and it showed in everything that she did.
Lou’s faith was her backbone, Christian service her calling. She loved being in the background–the nuts and bolts part of the church–which many are unaware. Records, Newsletters, calendar planning, and more were her meat and potatoes. She devoured the tasks and did them well. Lou served the faith community for forty-some years. Her efforts will be remembered.
In Morgan Hill, Lou was a key participant in establishing the “La Isla Pacifica” Auxiliary, which provided physical, financial, and moral support to the battered women’s shelter. Each Christmas she would provide gifts to the women and their children who had been residents in the shelter during the year. It was an awesome task and one she did well. At St. John’s Episcopal Church in Aptos, Lou assisted in the church office, maintained and published the church directory, was deeply involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, was a member of the Helpful Shop Board of Directors, and personally designed and made literally hundreds of prayer bracelets for enabling and contemplating the practice of prayer.
Lou is survived by her husband and high-school sweetheart of 59 years Ray, sons Roger Wolfe and Vaughan Edwards, daughters Renayda DeLaRosa, Kim Rizzo and Kathie St. Clair. Grandchildren Brenda DeLaRosa, Natalie Marsh, Kevin and Cady St Clair, Sarah Edwards, Olivia Regalia, Nicholas and Matthew Rizzo, daughters-in-law Laura Grenyo and Delphine Regalia, and sons-in-law Robert DeLaRosa and Mike Rizzo.
A celebration of her life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 125 Canterbury Dr. in Aptos at 11:00 A.M., on January 21st, 2012.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to the St John’s Columbarium fund in memory of Lou Wolfe.
Lou Wolfe July 31, 1933 – December 17, 2011
