Louise Fisher

Louise Gladden Fisher, 90, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026. Born Frieda Louise Gladden on April 24, 1935, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, she was the daughter of John William Gladden and Millie Mauney Gladden, and the seventh of eleven children.

Louise was the first in her family to attend college, studying at Gardner-Webb Junior College and Appalachian State University. She began her career at the North Carolina School for the Deaf and later served as a dedicated speech therapist with Wake County Public Schools in Raleigh until her retirement in 1995. Known for her creative approach, she possessed a unique gift for helping every child succeed.

Beyond her professional life, Louise was a tireless advocate for individuals with mental illness. She spoke widely to church and civic groups, served on numerous boards, and was a frequent presence at the North Carolina Legislative Building. There, she was affectionately known as the "Hat Lady"-for her colorful headwear and her persistence in calling for greater support and funding for mental health services.

Her most cherished cause was the Foundation of Hope in Raleigh. A devoted supporter of the annual Walk for Hope, Louise was passionate about their mission to fund scientific research into mental illness, its causes, and treatments.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved youngest daughter, Linda Fisher Reese; and her siblings Irene McAbee, Lucille Falls, Ozelle Dixon, John W. Gladden, Denver Gladden, Janice Jernigan, and Paul Gladden.

She is survived by her children: LuAnn Fisher of Charlottesville, VA; David Winslow Fisher (Shelly) of Charlotte, NC; Patricia Fisher Jessee (Chris) of Charlottesville, VA; and by Linda's husband, Theodore T. Reese of New Orleans, LA. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Mason and Catherine Fisher; Hartley, Theodore, and Gabrielle Reese; and AiMei Jessee; as well as her siblings Timothy Gladden (Rachel), Joyce Dumas (Ed), and Carl Gladden (Debbie).

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and community at Our Lady of Peace, and to Amy Martin and the staff at Well Family Medicine for their loving, attentive care.

A memorial service will be held on April 11 at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel at Our Lady of Peace, 751 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Louise's memory to the Foundation of Hope (9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617) or online at walkforhope.com.