Louise J. Wilhelm Tysver Obituary

Louise Jane Wilhelm-Tysver died in the late morning of July 19, 2024, in the company of her immediate family. She was born November 6, 1947, in Schenectady, New York to Karl and Zelma Mae Wilhelm, nee Rockenstire. Louise lost her mother at age five and had several care givers until her father remarried some years later. She gained a new mother and sister, both of whom spoke only German at the time. So, starting at age nine, Louise became a bilingual speaker of both German and English.

After high school, Louise attended New York State University at New Paltz, graduating with a degree in anthropology, a field in which she retained enthusiastic interest throughout her life. After college she moved to Boston where she met her future husband Peter Tysver, and, in 1986, the couple moved to Peter's hometown of Gloucester, that Louise would call home for the rest of her life.

With the birth of her son in 1988, Louise became a devoted full-time mother to her son and 'Tante' (German for 'aunt') to her niece and nephew. In her free time Louise enjoyed shopping, particularly for items of local color, and, of course, bargains, at yard sales and local thrift shops. An avid reader, Louise acquired quite the collection of books over the years in the cooking and mystery genres, an interest that dovetailed into her love of baking for family and friends, and an affinity not only for the written word, but also for televised drama. Louise was a warm, friendly, and kind soul, though she also had a strong sense of justice, and could become quite angry, or saddened, over the mistreatment of the vulnerable. The loss of Louise's unique spirit has left her family heartbroken. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Louise is survived by her husband, Peter; her son, Erik; her sister, Annegret Reimer; her niece, Adria Reimer-Pratt, husband Nick Pratt; and her nephew, Alexander Reimer-Nicholosi, wife Marianela, and their children Sofia and Ellie.

Louise was predeceased by her parents, Karl and Zelma Mae Wilhelm, and her stepmother, Hedwig Wilhelm.

A memorial service for Louise will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSPCA-Angell, Catvocates Fund, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 or online at MSPCA.org.