Louise Y Beitzel

Louise Yvonne Beitzel (87) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2026, in Suffolk, VA.

Louise was born on January 22nd in Schenectady, NY, to Victor J and Beatrice R Lajeunesse. She grew up in Canton, OH, and graduated from Lehman High School in 1957. She studied dietary sciences at Barry College and joined the Army as a dietician in 1961, serving until 1966.

It was in the Army she met and fell in love with her first husband, Paul J Francis. They were married on July 30th, 1966, and had one son, Christopher J Francis in 1968. Paul was killed in Vietnam on March 28, 1970. In 1995 Louise married Russel Beitzel, who passed away in 2006.

During her life, Louise was known for her adventurous spirit. She loved traveling (which included bungee jumping in New Zealand) horseback riding, bowling, square dancing and hiking as well as watching her Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and the Akron Rubber Ducks. Louise was active in her parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary, in Cuyahoga Falls, and she lovingly cared her for cats, Tobit and Kachina.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents Victor J and Beatrice R Lajeunesse; her brother Victor Jr and his wife Patricia; and her brother Thomas and his wife Betts.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Francis and his wife Julie; six grandchildren, Zachary (Katie) Francis and baby boy expected August 2026; Rachel (Ignacio) Nuñez, and their children Marcelo, Lucia and Natalia; Sarah (Graham) Crawley and their children Basil and Charles; Abigail Francis, Mary Francis and Joshua Francis; and six nephews and three nieces.

Visitation and Funeral Mass to be held at 10 AM and 11 AM, respectively, on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Attendance is welcome. In lieu of flowers, please offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Louise.