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Louise Anderson Locke Obituary
Louise Anderson Locke, 100, of Redding, CA. passed away November 9th at Mercy Medical Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard. She is survived by daughters Pat Gardetto of Redding; Mary Hardesty of Escondido, CA and Carol Gagliardi of Las Vegas, NV, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Louise was born in Lewes, Delaware on October 16, 1910 to Charles and Lillian Anderson. She graduated from North High School in Denver, CO., and attended Barnes Business School and the University of Denver School of Commerce. She worked for the Bureau of Reclamation during the construction of the Hoover Dam and Shasta Dam. In 1942 she was selected to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. She was one of first five WAACS to serve on General Eisenhower's executive staff in North Africa and Europe. Louise was the sole woman stenographer who attended the press conference following the Casablanca Conference.
Louise was awarded the Legion of Merit, the WAC Service Medal and the American Campaign Medal. Her contributions and accomplishments were invaluable and inspiring.
Louise was discharged from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. She married Richard in Washington, DC on February 15, 1947. They moved to Los Altos, CA and remained there for 30 years. In 1997 they moved to Redding. She was actively involved in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Social Order of the Beauceant, Daughters of the Nile, The Military Officers Association of America, Order of Eastern Star and The Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life on Thursday, November 18, at 10 a.m. at the Masonic Temple, 195 Masonic Road, Redding. A memorial service will follow at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery Igo, CA at
2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations toward the construction of the Veteran's Memorial Building may be sent to California Veteran's Assistance Group, 737 Auditorium Drive, Redding, CA 96001, attention Maurice Johannessen.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at Lavender Hills Assisted Living and Mercy Medical Center for their loving care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louise Anderson Locke
Michaelyn Forell
November 17, 2010
Sister Louise - one of the most gracious, strong and devoted members of our Eastern Star and Beauceant. We will miss her smiles and her dedication. Thank you, Locke Family, for sharing your wonderful parents with all of us.
November 16, 2010
Dear Friends of Lt Col Locke. I was a friend of Louise. I enjoyed her conversations concerning her service in WWII. We will miss her.
Lt Col Tony Vasquez USAFR MC FS
November 16, 2010
Dear Patty, Mary and Carol, and your families,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother, Louise.
It has been an honor to know this great lady, and the country and the world is a better place because of her—we will all suffer a loss at her passing.
Bill & Susan Doyle
Kathy & Marston Watson
November 15, 2010
Dear family - we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Louise. We knew both Louise and Richard from SAR meetings in California and Kentucky. Our deepest sympathy to you on your loss.
Wayne Griswold
November 14, 2010
Dear Patty, Mary, Carol, and family. My deepest sympathies on the passing of your lovely mother, Louise. She was such a wonderful person, a gentle soul, and an inspiration to all who knew her. Louise will be deeply missed by us all. My sincere regrets, Wayne A. Griswold, President, California Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
November 14, 2010
To Patty, Mary and Carol
Please acept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Louise. We cherish the memory of her and of Col. Locke She was a lovely person and so happy and alert at her Birthday party.
Robert and Ruth Dunlap
Roberta Rueth
November 14, 2010
Louise "WOOT" what an HONOR ... I will never forget our visits... Nor will I ever forget my promise to always stay strong and true to my fellow comrades....
Death leaves a Heart Ache No One Can Heal... Love Leaves A Memory No One Can Steel...I will try to remember that our loss is heavens gain... LUV MO
The Strathallan was torpedoed 12/21/42 by U-562 40 miles from port. Passengers were OK; all luggage was lost.
Pat Jay
November 14, 2010
Enroute to North Africa, the transport carrying then 2 Lt. Anderson was torpeoded. After a harrowing time in small boats, all aboard were rescued.
Pat Jay
November 14, 2010
Pat Jernigan, WAC Vet
November 14, 2010
Dear family and friends of Mrs. Locke,
I'm deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Locke's passing. My condolences to family and friends.
She is perhaps the last of the group that served with Gen. Eisenhower, certainly that served with him in North Africa. She was truly a pioneer -- it is her service and the service of other women in World War II that showed the invaluable contribution women made. In a speech Nov. 11th at the WW-2 Memorial (Washington DC), Gen. Ann Dunwoody, the first woman to reach four stars in the US miitary, acknowledged the vital role played by women in all phases of that war, and especially in breaking ground within the military.
I salute Mrs. Locke for her military service and her life-time commitment to her country and family.
The first WAAC officers to serve overseas pause in London enroute to North Africa.
Pat Jay
November 14, 2010
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