Louise Jennifer Byron

Louise Jennifer Byron passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 82 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born January 5, 1943, in Manchester, Connecticut, she lived a life of dedication, compassion, and quiet strength that touched many around her.

Louise devoted over twenty-five years of service as a Psychiatric Nurse at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where her gentle spirit and unwavering professionalism brought comfort, humor and healing to countless individuals, when they needed it most. Her colleagues knew her as both a caregiver and a friend, whose warmth and competence left an indelible mark.

Beyond her career, Louise found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending her time immersed in books, exploring the vast worlds within their pages. Her generous heart also led her to volunteer at the local American Red Cross, an endeavor she approached with great enthusiasm and commitment. She was an avid lover of animals, who always supported the local Humane Society.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Laura Cooper, and her treasured husband, Paul Byron, who showed her the kindness she shared with others.

Louise is survived by her loving family: her two sons, Matt Zemmelman of Pittsboro, NC, and Jon Zemmelman and his wife Joanna of Lafayette, Colorado; her stepdaughter, Meredith DiMambro and her husband, Brian of Dover, New Hampshire; her brother, Stephen Cooper of Des Moines, Iowa; and her cherished grandchildren, Julia, Jena, Eliza, Seth, Deliah, Theo, and Toby. While they mourn her passing, they celebrate the legacy of compassion, love, and resilience she leaves behind.

A celebration of Louise's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel, 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, NC. Her family invites all who knew her to share in this tribute to a remarkable woman. For those unable to attend, you may view a live stream of the service at by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be sent in her honor to the New Hanover Humane Society, reflecting Louise's love for all living creatures great and small. Online condolences may be offered at www.wilmingtoncares.com.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, located at 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, can be reached at 910-791-9099 for further information.

Though Louise has left this world, her spirit lives on in the acts of kindness she inspired and the love she instilled in all who knew her.