Louise Theresa Healy (nee Briden), 87, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2020, at Brighton Gardens in Middletown, NJ. Her final years in assisted living stand in contrast to the rest of her life, where she travelled the world.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles Richard Healy. Meeting Charlie at 16 years old, they were at the other's side for the rest of their lives, frequently traveling and visiting over 80 countries. Louise lived a beautiful life full of joy and giving. She was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1933, but lived her early years in Clinton, MA with her parents & family. Charlie and Louise lived in over 20 places including Australia and the Philippines.
Louise graduated from The Chandler School for Women in Boston, MA and studied at both De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines and Georgian Court College in Lakewood, NJ. She was the owner of a home decorating business for many years, creating window treatments and other home furnishings, along with wedding apparel and prom dresses. She enjoyed music and was the organist as well as a choir member at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Holmdel, NJ for many years. She was a founding member of the Rosary Makers at St. Catharine’s Church which made and distributed rosary beads to many charities, prisons, and hospitals. Louise had many talents: singer, artist, organizer, pianist, and seamstress. When living in Australia and the Philippines, she started the American Woman's Club, encouraging American women to gather and socialize for support. This was Louise, always seeking to bring people together and solving problems.
Together, Louise and Charlie raised 4 children, Susan Barschow (James) in Jackson, NJ, William Healy (Corinne) in Norfolk, VA, Carolyn Nicotera, (Joseph) in Fredericksburg, VA, and Thomas Healy (Rebecca) in Marlboro, NJ.
Louise is predeceased by her husband, her daughter Anne Louise Healy, her parents Xavier Leman Briden and Gladys Rose Briden, and brother Robert Xavier Briden. She is survived by her 4 children and many grandchildren - Emily Nicotera-Slachetka (Matthew), Charles Nicotera (Jenna), Olivia Nicotera, Andrew Nicotera, CJ Healy, Jennie Healy, and Margaret Barschow Blissenbach (Seth) - as well as sisters Elizabeth Ashooh, Fairfax, VA, and Mary Lamm Dickfoss, Las Vegas, NV and sister-in-law Sharron Briden, Mechanicsburg, PA, along with many nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count.
Louise will always be remembered for the joy she spread wherever she traveled and visited, and her incredible artistic vision. The viewing and internment will be on Thursday 3/26/2020, private to immediate family members. A public memorial service will be held at a later time.
Thank you to everyone who kept Louise in their hearts during her final months. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial donations to the “No Kid Hungry” organization to help children in this time of need or any charity of your choice.