Louise M. Rotteveel

Louise M. Rotteveel of Chadds Ford, PA passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2021 surrounded with love by her family and the nuns and staff at Holy Family Home, Little Sisters of the Poor in Philadelphia. Louise was born on November 22, 1931 in Sassenheim, Holland to the late Cornelius and Nilah (nee Schonfeld) Rotteveel. In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her brothers Leonard, William and Cornelius Rotteveel and her sisters Nilah Overdevest, Ida Mulgrew and Dorothy Petschelt. She is survived by her sisters Cornelia "Katie" McIntyre, Marie Gurewicz, Beatrix Peaschek, Elizabeth "Betty" Osciak (John), Joanne Pickar (Harold) and her brothers Simon (Jean) and John (Janneke) Rotteveel. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Louise was the oldest of fourteen children and lived in Holland during the German occupation of World War II. In 1946, Louise's parents brought Louise and her siblings to live in the United States. Louise attended West Catholic High School in Philadelphia. After graduation, Louise worked at Strawbridge and Clothier, a department store in Philadelphia. When Louise's mother unexpectedly passed away, Louise left her job to care for and raise her younger siblings. Louise's home in Chadds Ford was always open to anyone who stopped by. Her kitchen was the hub of activity for relatives and friends over the years. There were three things you could always be certain of: the smell of coffee permeating the house, a homemade pie, and Louise's warm welcome. Louise's brothers, sisters, extended family and friends were always gathered around her large kitchen table engaged in 'enthusiastic' discussion. Louise was a marvelous storyteller and would often share stories from her days in Holland during the war and the early years after the family's first arrival in Philadelphia. Louise was an excellent baker and was well known for her homemade pies and cookies. She also spent time knitting and corresponding with her relatives in Holland as she was still fluent in writing and speaking Dutch. Louise's life was characterized by service to her family. She put the needs of others before her own. She was kind, warm, and caring. Louise was very generous, often making donations to any charity that simply asked. She was a woman of strong faith in the Lord which was evidenced by how she lived her life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Cornelius Church, 156 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Holy Family Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. https://littlesistersofthepoorpa.weshareonline.org/ If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed beginning at 10:45 am. To access the stream, click the link: https://livestream.com/saintcornelius