Louise Wasilewski

Louise M. Wasilewski, or "Mom" or "Grandma" or "Aunt Louise" or "Babe", passed away on August 21 at the age of 90. Most recently, she lived in Shrewsbury, and prior to that she lived in Long Beach Township, and Carteret, N.J. On August 15, 2025, Louise thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by her children and grandchildren to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Louise was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Stanley whom she always called "Was" or "Hey Was!", and her daughter, "Baby Louise" who passed away in 1967 shortly after her birth. She also leaves her children, Janet Keating and her husband Paul, Stan Wasilewski and his wife Tina, Lynn Omslaer and her husband Keith, and Kathy Yevchak and her husband Mike. Louise loved all of her grandchildren so much: Justin & Ashley, Julia & Dave, Connor & Nicole, Jack, Max, Parker, Ryan, Sophie, Sarah, and Adam. Louise also leaves behind her sister Connie, and her brother Greg and his wife Mary, along with many beloved nephews and nieces.

Louise was born on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 1935 in Carteret, N.J. She was the daughter of Walter and Constance Kotlinski, who predeceased her, along with her sister Alfreda Zullo and brother Alfred. She graduated from Holy Family Grammar School and Carteret High School, Carteret N.J. Following her graduation, she worked at Foster Wheeler Corp. After her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children, often volunteering at Holy Family Church and School, and working part-time at several places.

She went back to work full time when her youngest started school. Shortly afterwards, she started LW Data Processing. As the owner, Louise worked for many years providing data processing services to a variety of clients. Following her retirement, she moved to Long Beach Island, N.J.

Louise's Roman Catholic faith was an important part of her life, having been a member of Holy Family Church in Carteret (now, Divine Mercy Parish), then later St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Brant Beach, N.J. In 1995, she was privileged to be on the tarmac at Newark Airport watching the arrival of Pope John Paul II and greeting him as he made his way along the line of well wishers. Afterwards, Louise attended the Mass he celebrated at Giants Stadium – A very memorable moment!

Louise was an avid reader, always having a book in her lap or next to her. She enjoyed fiction, mystery and historical novels, and the book of the month club was an often renewed Mother's Day gift for her. She would pass the books around and talk about her favorites with her children, grandchildren, and friends. Louise also enjoyed researching her ancestry, and presented all of her family with extensive family trees.

Louise was extremely proud of the schools her children and grandchildren attended. There was no question that any of us would attend college, it was only a question of where and what to study. In fact, "How do you know what to study anymore?" was an often repeated question from Louise.

Louise loved Christmas, and made an array of delicious homemade cookies every year, and would display them on a two-tiered Lenox Christmas serving plate. She collected Snow Village Houses, and beautiful Lenox and LLadro nativity sets. She also learned to sew since she was much taller than average, at 5'10" , and made clothes to fit her height, along with making Lynn's prom dress, and many of our Halloween costumes. An April's Fool Day did not go by without Louise trying to fool us. She also loved giving gag gifts about who the Family Favorite was, which involved all children or all in laws receiving the exact same present - so it seems we will never know who the Favorite really was!

Louise spent a lot of time making lists in her little notebooks, of her passwords, how much things cost and things to do, and this often revolved around welcoming family to their Long Beach Island home, or planning special occasions. Every few years the family would pose for an official family photograph, which were then framed and hung around their home. When it got too difficult for Louise or Stanley to travel, the anniversary parties turned into what became our infamous Family Reunions on Long Beach Island. These always involved Louise's lists, with every detail thought of and prepared for. What joyous days those were, and anyone who attended will remember forever. The grandchildren will always remember many fun visits to Long Beach Island, where "what happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's" was a phrase she used, often meaning you could eat as much bacon or pork roll as you'd like.

Louise's kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor made everyone around her feel comfortable and appreciated. The staff at the Chelsea Assisted Living Facility always remarked how sweet and kind Louise was – it could have been due to the bowl of candy and snacks that Louise insisted every staff person share from whenever they came to see her. She teased her grandchildren about how "rich" she was, having many 100 Grand candy bars stashed away to give out to them, and charging them hugs in exchange for snacks, candy, or some pocket money.

If you are missing Louise, you might want to play "If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd've Baked a Cake" (by Eileen Barton) and that will surely bring a smile to your face. In the meantime, we hope that it brings you the same joy and hopefulness it brings us, to know that Louise is reunited with Stanley and Baby Louise, along with her many family and friends who have gone before her. What a celebration was held in Heaven to greet Louise! We think they were all saving a seat for her.

Funeral will be on Monday, August 25, 2025 starting at 9:30 AM at Synowiecki Funeral Home, 56 Carteret Avenue in Carteret, followed by a 10 AM Mass at Divine Mercy Parish-Holy Family Church in Carteret. Interment will be held at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 24, 2024 from 3 PM to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alternatives Inc, 600 First Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869 www.alternativesinc.org/ways-to-help/ in Louise's memory.