Louise J. Hauser

1921 - 2020

Louise Jean Hauser (Russo): Educator and Philanthropist, February 3, 1921 | December 3, 2020. On Thursday, December 3, 2020, a beloved member of the community, Louise Jean Hauser of Auburndale MA., passed away at the age of 99. Louise Russo was youngest of six children, with four sistersHelen, Marguerite, Mildred and Marieand a brother, Joseph, who predeceased her. She grew up in Newton Highlands, where the family had a large vegetable garden as well as an orchard with apple trees. They kept a cow in the garage along with the family car. All the children had to help in the garden, but Louise and her sister Marie, would sneak off to play tennis after the work was done. She attended Hyde Primary School, Weeks Junior High School, and Newton High School, before entering Framingham State College, Class of 1944, where she earned a degree in Education. Despite being a shy person, she became class president and was recognized as an outstanding teacher. Teaching was an enduring passion in her life. Louise taught in primary schools first in Weston, then in Newton at the Underwood School. In the1970s, she became an educational consultant often traveling around the country. Louise married George Hauser, who had fled Nazi Austria in 1939. He was a decorated WWII veteran and served in the US Army in France. When they met, he was a neuro-chemist in research at McClean Hospital in Belmont, eventually being appointed professor at Harvard Medical School. George and Louise Hauser settled in Auburndale, enjoying their dog walks along Commonwealth Avenue with Tulli and then Ethan. They both loved to travel, and enjoyed having visiting foreign students stay at their home. By the 1980s, Louise's passion for little children found its way to the Newton Community Service Center, where she focused on Day Care and preschool education for families. The Center, now called "Family Access", became a focus for Louise as a generous philanthropist and board member, for which she was recognized in 2018. She had a great appreciation for the arts and surrounded herself with artist friends and their work, as well as attending Friday afternoon concerts at the BSO. Summers were spent in a house overlooking Squam Lake where they invited their friends to come and visit. Tennis and swimming were always part of the program. A private memorial service will be held on December 15, from 11 to noon at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home in West Newton. Friends are welcome to view the service virtually. For streaming information and online guestbook please visit BurkeFamily FuneralHomes.com. Contributions in Louise's memory can be made to Family Access of Newton and Rosie's Place.