Louise K. Gentile

Louise Katherine Gentile (Fortune), 82, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully at Kaplan Hospice House on Halloween night. Although her passing came too quickly, she was fortunate to be surrounded by dear family and friends for the entire week while she was still feeling well and upbeat.
Louise was born and raised in Somerville, MA, April 8, 1941. She was a graduate of the tight-knit SHS Class of 1959, with whom she maintained best friendships throughout her entire adult life. After high school, Louise worked for the telephone company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Along the way, she would always make new friends and keep the old. The next chapter in Louise's life was as a devoted mother. Some of the fondest memories were on the slopes of Mt. Cranmore with her bestie, Joanne. Louise was also a devoted "Hockey Mom" before there was such a notion. In 1970, Louise took a part-time waitressing job at Mario's in Lexington Ctr. For 20-years, Louise had SO many fun times, and of course, making more new friends.
In the late 90's, Louise met John Gentile at Mario's, before long they fell deeply in love and married, August 25, 1990. "Johnny Cakes" swept Louise off her feet and treated her like a queen every day of their too short,15-year marriage. Life with John was truly the most happiest time of her life. They enjoyed traveling to Italy, Ireland, cruise to Alaska, Las Vegas, and more. They made a gracious and welcoming home in Barnstable Village. On most, hot summer days, Louise and John would be found soaking up the rays at Craigsville Beach. Louise and John made many wonderful friends and ingratiated themselves into the Barnstable community.
Louise was very active in T.O.P.S., Take Off Pounds Sensibly. As District Manager, or as she would tease, The Grand Poobah, Louise made even more life-long friends all over the country, even as far as Saskatchewan, Canada. Louise enjoyed traveling to conventions, putting on skits and helping to support her fellow members. Soon after Louise's wonderful Cape Cod life was underway, her newest, favorite hobby, occupation, and past-time began with the birth of her first grandchild, Hunter Lucia. December 31, 1993 began nearly 30-years of doting, loving, special times, sewing homemade outfits and costumes, quilting, knitting, spoiling, celebrating, and cooking for her pride and joys' and loving every second! Safe to say, "Nana Lou" was her favorite moniker, not only for her 5 grandchildren, but to countless other great nieces and nephews, and friends of their friends. Nana Lou was a very popular lady, for sure.
Louise recently renewed her love of reading after happily giving up ALL her troublesome electronics! She was flying through 3+ books per week and loved exchanging favorite books with Hunter and Una. Louise also loved getting together with friends for many occasions, including entertaining at her lovely townhome, and to be sure, a competitive game of SCAT was always in the cards. Louise was known of her voracious appetite for lobster, and everyone remembers how she ADORED, Elvis! Louise was truly a beautiful woman and took great pride in stepping out wearing her favorite outfits from her extensive wardrobe. Louise will be sorely missed, especially around the holidays where her legendary culinary, hospitality and creative decorating skills were always on display and admired by so many.
Louise is predeceased by her beloved husband, John Gentile. Louise is survived by her daughter, Sandra McCoole (Nocivelli) and her husband, Cahir of Marblehead and her granddaughters, Hunter and Una and grandsons, Finn and Van McCoole. She is also survived by her son, Paul Nocivelli and his wife, Megan, of Marshfield and her granddaughter, Celia Nocivelli. Louise is predeceased by her parents, Albert Fortune and Mary Carbone and her two sisters, Peg Grillo and Dorothy Fortune. Louise was a loving aunt to 3 nieces: Lisa McFadd; Christine Rossetti; and Paula Constanza, 6 grand nieces and nephews: Michael; Madison; Alec; Mia; Chase and Ella and a great-great aunt to Ken and Julia. Louise's family would like to acknowledge her love and deep closeness for the Gentile Family especially her niece, Rosemary. Our family would also like to acknowledge Myra Belli, who, is Louise's longest family relationship. They both enjoyed years of friendship and making many, many happy family times together.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, Wednesday November 8th, 2023. Followed by a prayer service at 12 pm. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Fond memories may be expressed here. In lieu of flowers, please make a small donation in Louise's name to The Kaplan House, Danvers, MA, where all the staff were so extremely kind and caring of her.