1929
2008
Mary Louise Kaufman (McCraken) went to her heavenly home to be reunited with her son, David; daughter, Carol; and beloved husband, Al. This was indeed a "glorious day."
She departed her earthly home on November 10, 2008, at Simi Adventist Hospital, Simi Valley, after complications following her surgery.
Louise was born on May 27, 1929, in Belleville, Kansas, to Thaddius and Myrtle McCraken. Louise was a 59-year resident of Simi Valley.
She attended and graduated from Belleville High School class of 1947.
At the age of 18 Louise met the love of her life, Al Kaufman, when he visited home after he was discharged from the Army in 1946. A romance began and they were married on August 8, 1947. They came out to Southern California on their honeymoon and never returned home to Kansas.
They began their married lives in Woodland Hills, Calif. They then had their first child and moved to Santa Susana. They were blessed with three children, Carol Sue, David, and Donald Robert. Louise was the home maker for her family and she was very involved in children's school PTA as well as being very active in SAN-SU 4-H Club.
Louise graduated from Moorpark College while she was a grandmother in 1976.
She then went into become a teacher's aide for the hearing impaired for grade school, middle school, junior high and high school.
She was an auxiliary member and staff officer of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association for many years.
Louise was famous for her baked goods and cake decorating; she lived her life through rose colored glasses just like the ones she wore.
Trinity Lutheran Church was very special to Louise. She was a founding member and always heavily involved in her church activities. She always had a very strong faith and love for our Lord. She especially loved teaching the kids in Pioneer Girls for many years as well as being an AAL officer and actively involved in Lutheran Women Missionary League.
She enjoyed being part of the senior club these last few years; she always loved playing cards and was currently active in the pinochle/card club.
She is survived by her sister, June; brother, Warren; son, Donald Robert Kaufmann, granddaughter Delaney and great-grandson Dylan; son-in-law, Don Joy; granddaughter Donna (husband Joe) Escutia, great-grandson Kyler and great-granddaughter Kaylee; granddaughter Christi (husband Mikey) Cardenas, great-grandsons Raymond and Little Mike, great-granddaughter Mykenzie; granddaughter Elisa (husband Kevin) Turley, great-grandaughter Crystal and great-grandson Christopher; granddaughter Beth (husband Josh) McMonagle; and baby dog CJ.
Rest in peace Mary Louise, Mom, Grandma, G.G., Sister, Aunt. We will miss you so much but will never forget you; you will always be in our hearts.
Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2008, at the Rose mortuary, 4444 Cochran Street, Simi Valley.
Interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2008, at Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Lindero Canyon, Westlake, A Memorial service will follow at 3:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2949 Alamo Street, Simi Valley; 805-526-2429.
Reception following service.
A memorial fund is being established at Trinity Lutheran Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rachel Pickering
November 25, 2008
For the family of Louise. I have known Louise, and family for a long time. She is the one who was the sweetest person that you can ever met in your life. When I found out about the passing of Al and Carol I was heart broken. Now, Louise. I know she is not suffering anymore. Also she is reunited with her love ones. My father passed away in 2004. I know she is talking to him. I think that is why I want to go into American Sign Language Interpating is because of Louise. I miss her so much. I know I will see her again. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Joy, Kaufman Family. I am a formal resident of Simi Valley.
Moe
November 25, 2008
Al And Louise and Carol were the epitimy of what good old neighbors and people are.Work hard for your family and community. I missed them when they moved.There went the neighborhood I will pray for them and their family the rest of my life. My mom passed the same day Al did.
inky Bistransin
November 22, 2008
What a truly lovly friend , I had with Louise gotta say card club wasn;t the same without yu, bIm thinking no pain or suffering for you == you are with your loved ones and some day well meet again,
Elaine Bistransin
November 20, 2008
I know of Louise through a friend of hers, in the card playing group.She was well thought of and liked by my friend, her fellow card player. From reading her "Obit" here , I see Louise a great advocate as a witness for the Lord, with her involvements. You her descedants may be very proud for her legacy.
Since I heard of her illness and passing, she has been in my prayers. I believe the more people who pray for a soul and the many good works of that soul, the quicker it returns to heaven. This is the day the Lord has made "Rejoice and be glad " Glory to God ,He gave you Louise for so long.
An Ohioian friend of a Simi Valley friend
Joan Wright
November 19, 2008
Louise will be missed by all the rural carriers and spouses in California. She was such a special person and worked tirelessly for the CaRLCA and Auxiliary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Danny Wright
November 19, 2008
Louise was the backbone of the CaRLCA Auxiliary. She tirelessly made items to make every Auxiliary member feel so special when they came to an Auxiliary meeting. She and Al were always smiling and made everyone feel special.
Kat Garvey
November 18, 2008
i'm glad her and Al are together again i can't imagine them apart.they were so much fun .i met them at my very first rural letter carriers convention many years ago on bingo nite and it became one of the most fun evenings i always looked forward too once a year.we laughed alot on those monday nites..i will truly miss them both but i have many happy memories and i know their happy being together again..
JoAnn McGuire
November 18, 2008
What can I say, she was a great mother and wife. The great times our two families had together was a memory no one can remove from our lives. I know Donny that this can not be any easy time for you. Your family foundation has been shook tremedously this year. But God, our heavenly Father has strengthen his foundation with the lost of your family. You had great parents and a stubborn sister... we all will miss their advice and friendship. Take care "little" brother. May the sunflowers we sent bring a smile to your thoughts. Love Letha, Mike and JoAnn
Donna Reeder
November 17, 2008
Louise was a dear friend to me when I arrived in California and began attending Rural Letter Carrier Meetings there. She made me feel very much a part of this organization and always supported me in my attempts to support the Rural Carriers. She was truly a dear friend and confidante. Now Al & Louise are together again. Praise the Lord.
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