Louise Marie Federico

Louise Marie Federico, 102, went to meet the Lord on Christmas Day 2020 in Waco, Texas.

Louise was born in Boston on April 21,1918, the daughter of Louis Barbato and Marie Barbato, née Dell’Isola, in the North End across the street from Paul Revere’s home. Louise was one of seven children, all of whom preceded her in death: sisters, Phyllis, Mary, and Josephine; and brothers, Anthony, Gerry, and Arcangelo. Louise had a beloved son, Ronald, who also preceded her in death.

Louise leaves behind son, Gerald Federico and wife Janet; daughter-in-law, Marlene Federico; and grandchildren, Mario Federico and wife Andrea, Megan Lane, DeAnna Federico, Melissa Carmichael, and Danielle Federico Custis and husband Eric. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Rory Lane, Elia Federico, Grace Custis and Marco Federico.

When Louise’s father died, she left high school at the age of 16 to help with household expenses. She worked multiple jobs,and as a waitress, earned tips based upon her bubbly personality and her attention to detail. She worked on the East Coast from Maine to Florida, always sending money back home.

It was at a resort in Maine that she met Mario Federico, who became her husband January 15, 1941. Mario had secured a new job in Los Angeles, so they combined their honeymoon with across country drive.They removed the back seat of their Ford, and with all their belongings plus three extra tires, as there was a war on, they set out for California,where they were told it only rained at night. The trip took 21 days.

Louise and Mario lived in a modest house on what was then on the outskirts of Los Angeles, where they raised Ronald and Gerald, her two sons. Louise was the only person who always called him Gerald.

In some ways, Louise was ahead of her time, helping her husband with a variety of business ventures. She was always ready to do whatever it took to keep the household going, whether it meant help painting the house, or mixing concrete, or taking in ironing to make extra money.

Louise’s home was known to everyone in the neighborhood as a place of welcome, and often a place you would find fresh-baked goods, from fruitcakes to cookies. She made a home that was the center of the family where all holidays were celebrated at her dinner table and she always had plenty of food, wine, and desserts. Her house was always neat and orderly, and friendly and warm.

The state of California built a college across the street from their home, and Louise chose to go back to work there starting as a cashier. She quickly became the food service manager at California State College at Los Angeles from 1956 until she retired in 1979.

After Mario passed away in 1980, Louise started what she called her second life. She never stopped trying new things and discovering new talents. She discovered there was an artist inside her, and became a very good painter; she also discovered that she enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Everyone in the family still treasures her afghans, scarves and paintings.

Louise moved to Waco, Texas in 2015, closer to her son, and celebrated her one-hundredth birthday with family and friends where she will always be remembered for doing the chicken dance with her great-grandchildren. Louise remained mentally sharp until the end, even wanting to make sure her Christmas lights in her room were multicolored.

Due to current Covid conditions, a memorial will be held in April 2021 to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mission Waco or the Humane Society of Central Texas.