Louise Ewin

1922 - 2021

Louise Nelson Ewin, who lived a joyful and abundant life, passed away on December 18, 2021, at the age of 99, surrounded by her adoring children. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Perkins Ewin, Jr., fondly known as Jimbo. She was born in New Orleans, September 5, 1922, to Mary Hutson Nelson and Bernard Stanley Nelson. She was the sister of Mary Nelson Guthrie, Waldemar Stanley Nelson, Lt. Charles Woodward Nelson, all deceased, and survived by her younger brother, Dr. Thomas Hutson Nelson of Texas. She is also survived by her four children: Lucie Ewin Butler (Pat) of St. Francisville, Dorothy Ewin Isacks (Leonard, deceased), Barbara Ewin Fitzpatrick, and James Perkins Ewin, III; grandchildren Margaret Butler Sumrall (David), Louise Butler Winder (Frank), Adair Butler Cunningham (James), Catherine Oge Turlington (Kyle), George Woodward Oge, III, Katharine Ewin Fitizpatrick (Eric Jannazzo), Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Van Brocklin (Carr), ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou, as she was fondly called, graduated from Newcomb College where she was Homecoming Queen, Student Body President, Mortar Board, and recipient of the Class of 1909 Award. It was here that she renewed a long family friendship with Jimmie, president of the Tulane Student Body. They fell in love on a student council trip and were married on her 20th birthday. For 49 years theirs was a love affair to be celebrated. Lou was an avid New Orleans volunteer, serving on the boards of Poydras Home, Lighthouse for the Blind, the Junior League of New Orleans, the Colonial Dames of America. She was active in Newcomb Alumni, Tulane Executive Council, an early participant in the STAIR program, and in many capacities at Trinity Episcopal Church. She loved her many "clubs": bridge, sewing, Rummikub, the Twenty Tens Investment Club, as well as the fabulous "Aqua Dames". Lou loved her family, her garden, her friends, cards and games, volunteering for those less fortunate. She enjoyed making people laugh, and endeavored to spread joy wherever she went. She regularly opened her home to extended friends and family, and loved to travel, loved literature, theatre, art, and had an insatiable curiosity to keep learning and having fun in whatever she did. She loved keeping up with family and friends and being part of the lives of the many people she loved (email was Lou's cup of tea!) The Ewin family farm, Greenwood, was a special place for her where she entertained a gaggle of her children's friends. The Nelson family "camp" in Pearlington, MS, provided many happy memories and adventures as well. Lou was always positive and upbeat, full of gratitude, and shared her big heart with all - from the grocery clerk to the staff at Lambeth House. Her quick wit, great ability to make fun, to laugh at anything (including herself) will all be sorely missed by her large family and many generations of friends. Her most amazing attribute was her capacity to love and spread sunshine everywhere she went. In her papers, when asked how she would like to be remembered by family and friends, she replied: "that I brought a measure of joy into their lives". The family wishes to thank the staff at Lambeth House, in particular Alvin, Allison and Lolita, as well as Annette, who made Mom "more beautiful" every week at the beauty parlor. Also a special thanks to Dr. Robert Miles for his care over the years. A private graveside service was held on December 22, 2021. A memorial service celebrating Lou's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal church, 1329 Jackson Avenue on Saturday, January 15 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in Bishop Polk Hall. At this time, Trinity Church is requiring face masks. For those wishing to remember Lou, please consider a donation to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, 70130, Lambeth House Foundation, 150 Broadway, 70118 or to a charity of your choice. The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.