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Louise Appleton Obituary
Appleton, 92
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Louise Briggs Appleton, 92, of Sarasota, Fla. and Kennebunkport, passed away on April 6, 2011.
Born in Bath on June 28, 1918, she graduated from Morse High School in Bath in 1935, and from Mt. Holyoke College in 1939, where she was a physics major. In her school years she was active in sports, working summers as a camp counselor. She also sang in her college glee club.
After college she taught at private secondary schools for girls in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts for 10 years.
In June 1949 she married Julius H. Appleton, a prominent attorney in Springfield, Mass. The Appleton's family has had a long affiliation with Springfield College and other organizations in the Springfield community. Because of her strong commitment to charity work Louise served as President of the Girls Club, Vice President of the United Fund, and the National Girls Club Board. Louise's interest in education continued throughout he lifetime. In 1985 she received an honorary degree from Springfield College, and in 1999 a Medal of Honor from Mt. Holyoke College for service. Louise held leadership roles in many Springfield area human services agencies.
When Julius retired in early 1970, the Appleton's moved to Kennebunkport where they summered, and to Sarasota, Fla. where they spent winters.
From 1973 to 1988, Louise and her friend, Rue Dickens, owned and operated Forsland House, a woman's designer shop in Kennebunkport. For almost 40 years Louise was on the Board of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
Her winter home from the early 1970s onward was Sarasota, where Louise began an association with several area institutions, notably the Ringling College of Art and Design, where she was a longtime Board Member, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Louise was a benefactor and mentor to many students, and enjoyed friendships with them for years afterward. Louise was also a Life Master duplicate bridge player.
Louise was predeceased by her husband; and by her elder son, Allen. She is survived by her son, Stephen; her granddaughter, Sara, both of Kennebunk; and by her dear friend, Rue Dickens of Venice, Fla. and Kennebunkport.
Services will be held in June 2011; date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kennebunkport Conservation
Trust may be made.
Louise Briggs
Appleton
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Memories and Condolences
for Louise Appleton
6 Entries
Alisa Diphilippo
April 19, 2011
Louise used my car service for many years here in Kennebunkport. Every one who drove her and Rue asked to drive them next time- Louise was always "the nicest lady they ever met".
It easiest to spot the angels in this world by how they treat perfect strangers and that was particularly true with Louise.
I am grateful to have known such an extraordinary person even in such a small way.
My thoughts and prayers are with Louise's family and of course, with Rue.
Dave Driftmier
April 10, 2011
Louise was a big-hearted woman who quietly set about making the world a better place. You could know her well yet be unaware of all of the commitment, gifts to and hard work for community organizations. She championed so many individuals; she helped my own sons with university expenses, yet I do not know how many others benefited from her interest and generosity. She didn’t talk about it. She was not one to self-promote but always act and do what she could for others.
Louise was cheerful and lived life to the fullest. She shared her enthusiasm and spirit with everyone. I like to remember her cutting flowers from her garden for us, making ice cream, sailing in her little boat, enjoying our boys when they were young and keeping interest in them as they grew. I remember her having fun!
She also tuned into the people close to her. My life has not been without its dark periods; Louise was there to check on me, give me encouragement and affirmations. She was like a second mother; she was my mentor. I could tell her everything and know that she would listen in a nonjudgmental, helpful way. I was fortunate to have her in my corner cheering for me. When I moved far away to Canada, she went out of her way to visit my family three times. Such happy memories!
So, I will miss my friend Louise. It’s hard to know that we will not have more phone conversations. All one can do now is to celebrate her long and full life and the privilege of knowing her.
Peter Driftmier
April 10, 2011
"Aunty" Louise has been close to our family and my father since he was a child. I am forever grateful for her emotional and financial support to him as well as my brother and I. I will always remember our family visits with her in Maine and how she welcomed us so closely into her life.
April 10, 2011
I was first introduced to Louise in 1994 at a Ringling reception in which I spoke. I was completing my first year at the College. She gave me scholarships throughout my remaining years and has since been a dear friend and mentor. I really enjoyed our times eating hot dogs at the Salty Dog, going to local baseball games and playing golf together. But what I will treasure the most is our visits sitting and looking out onto the Gulf waters. Her wisdom and support throughout the years has been priceless. Our many talks about attitude are now conversations I pass onto my own students. I will miss her very much, my life has been greatly impacted by this wonderful woman.
Paula Kozak
Sarasota, FL
John Driftmier
April 9, 2011
Louise, or "Aunty" as we called her, was like a second mother to my father, which made her a second grandmother to me and my brother. She always took great interest our lives, and her generosity helped pay for my university education for which I will always be truly grateful. She will be dearly missed and remembered with tremendous gratitude.
Paulo Alvarado
April 9, 2011
Mrs. Appelton made it possible for me to attend Ringling and make my childhood dream of working for Disney Animation possible. I will always remember her for her kindness and generosity.
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