With heavy hearts, we share the news that Josephine Peters Louis passed away on January 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. To know Josephine was to know the passion with which she lived all 95 years of her remarkable life. She was grace and beauty personified – never without her signature wit and refreshing candor.
“Mary Jo” was born on March 13, 1930, on an orange grove in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was the only child of Charles and Alma Peters, and the adored focus of two devoted unmarried aunts. A true tomboy, she spent her childhood riding her cherished pony, Billy, shooting her BB gun at spiders in the citrus trees – an early glimpse of the confidence, fearlessness, and determination that would define her life.
In 1948, Jo went north to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where she majored in Theatre, graduating in 1952. Her lifelong devotion to Northwestern was later honored with the naming of the Josephine P. Louis Theatre. During her time there, she met the debonair John J. Louis Jr, the great love of her life. John and Jo were married in Fort Pierce during a hurricane on October 10, 1953 – a fitting beginning for a life filled with adventure.
Josephine and John made a beautiful life together in Winnetka, Illinois, raising their three children, Kim, Tracy, and Jeff. Africa became their shared passion, and together they embarked on eight safari adventures across the continent, well before there were established camps or tourism. Though she had not grown-up playing golf, Jo took up the game to keep pace with John – secretly taking daily lessons for two years until she could compete with him. She went on to win numerous club championships and played avidly into her seventies. Jo was also a formidable backgammon player, famously nicknamed “The Witch” for her uncanny ability to call her dice before rolling.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed John as United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, and the couple moved to London, where they lived at Winfield House. Josephine thrived as a hostess to royalty, politicians and dignitaries, as well as dear friends and family, all of whom she welcomed with elegance, warmth and impeccable style.
After John completed his service, he lovingly assumed the role of supporting Josephine in her next great endeavor, Eximious, a UK based personalized gift catalogue which she grew and brought to the US.
Josephine, known affectionately as Grandy to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved her family fiercely. She spent every summer on Lake Owen, in Wisconsin building upon the many gracious traditions of her mother-in-law for her own growing family. It was here that her competitive spirit shone through in golf, backgammon, and cards.
Jo was equally comfortable enjoying caviar at a formal event as she was sharing a hot dog on her terrace -- quietly passing a bite to her dogs, waiting patiently at her feet.
In 1995, Josephine suffered the profound and premature loss of John. Yet she carried on with resilience and curiosity, continuing to travel the world—from Namibia and the Galápagos Islands to Churchill, Manitoba – always eager to learn, explore, and experience more of life. She remained deeply involved with institutions dear to her heart, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, Northwestern University, Brain Chemistry Labs, and Gannett Company.
Throughout her 95 years, Josephine approached every endeavor with determination and enthusiasm, holding herself – and those she loved – to the highest standards. Her life was indeed a remarkable journey.
Josephine’s light lives on through her children, Kimberly L. Stewart, Tracy L. Merrill, and Jeff Louis; her twelve grandchildren; and her eight great-grandchildren, as well as through countless cherished friends. She was deeply loved and will be desperately missed. Her stories will continue to be told and treasured. We take comfort in knowing she was welcomed through the gates of heaven by her beloved husband John and her darling grandson Duncan.
A Celebration of Life will be announced by her family in due course.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Chicago Botanic Garden
Bright Encounters Fund
1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, Il 60022
[email protected]
“Mary Jo” was born on March 13, 1930, on an orange grove in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was the only child of Charles and Alma Peters, and the adored focus of two devoted unmarried aunts. A true tomboy, she spent her childhood riding her cherished pony, Billy, shooting her BB gun at spiders in the citrus trees – an early glimpse of the confidence, fearlessness, and determination that would define her life.
In 1948, Jo went north to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where she majored in Theatre, graduating in 1952. Her lifelong devotion to Northwestern was later honored with the naming of the Josephine P. Louis Theatre. During her time there, she met the debonair John J. Louis Jr, the great love of her life. John and Jo were married in Fort Pierce during a hurricane on October 10, 1953 – a fitting beginning for a life filled with adventure.
Josephine and John made a beautiful life together in Winnetka, Illinois, raising their three children, Kim, Tracy, and Jeff. Africa became their shared passion, and together they embarked on eight safari adventures across the continent, well before there were established camps or tourism. Though she had not grown-up playing golf, Jo took up the game to keep pace with John – secretly taking daily lessons for two years until she could compete with him. She went on to win numerous club championships and played avidly into her seventies. Jo was also a formidable backgammon player, famously nicknamed “The Witch” for her uncanny ability to call her dice before rolling.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed John as United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, and the couple moved to London, where they lived at Winfield House. Josephine thrived as a hostess to royalty, politicians and dignitaries, as well as dear friends and family, all of whom she welcomed with elegance, warmth and impeccable style.
After John completed his service, he lovingly assumed the role of supporting Josephine in her next great endeavor, Eximious, a UK based personalized gift catalogue which she grew and brought to the US.
Josephine, known affectionately as Grandy to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved her family fiercely. She spent every summer on Lake Owen, in Wisconsin building upon the many gracious traditions of her mother-in-law for her own growing family. It was here that her competitive spirit shone through in golf, backgammon, and cards.
Jo was equally comfortable enjoying caviar at a formal event as she was sharing a hot dog on her terrace -- quietly passing a bite to her dogs, waiting patiently at her feet.
In 1995, Josephine suffered the profound and premature loss of John. Yet she carried on with resilience and curiosity, continuing to travel the world—from Namibia and the Galápagos Islands to Churchill, Manitoba – always eager to learn, explore, and experience more of life. She remained deeply involved with institutions dear to her heart, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, Northwestern University, Brain Chemistry Labs, and Gannett Company.
Throughout her 95 years, Josephine approached every endeavor with determination and enthusiasm, holding herself – and those she loved – to the highest standards. Her life was indeed a remarkable journey.
Josephine’s light lives on through her children, Kimberly L. Stewart, Tracy L. Merrill, and Jeff Louis; her twelve grandchildren; and her eight great-grandchildren, as well as through countless cherished friends. She was deeply loved and will be desperately missed. Her stories will continue to be told and treasured. We take comfort in knowing she was welcomed through the gates of heaven by her beloved husband John and her darling grandson Duncan.
A Celebration of Life will be announced by her family in due course.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Chicago Botanic Garden
Bright Encounters Fund
1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, Il 60022
[email protected]
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Josephine Louis, please visit our flower store.
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