Louise Copes Welsh of Palmyra, NJ, passed away in her home with her husband of 67 years at her side, on June 7, 2024, at the age of 92.

Louise was born on May 11, 1932 in Watertown, CT, to Elda (Simoncini) Copes and Joseph Copes, both Italian immigrants. She was the youngest of twelve children and forever proud of her Italian heritage. She remained close to all of her siblings through the years. After earning a BA in French from the University of Connecticut and teaching for several years, she moved to New York City, where she would meet her future husband, Ward, of Malverne, NY, and a graduate student at the Columbia School of Journalism.

They married on May 11, 1957, and eventually settled in Palmyra, NJ. Louise stopped working to raise their four children, but over those years, was very active in the PTA. She also volunteered many years for DYFS --- The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency --- bringing home case studies to read once she put the children to bed. Louise was also on the election board and volunteered at the polls for many years.

Louise thrived as a homemaker, turning their old historic house built in 1863 --- that had been previously neglected --- into a home admired by everyone who set foot in it! It was in her home, and around family, that she was happiest. Her home was the gathering place for all of the holidays, with delicious spreads of food set out on ironed linen tablecloths and polished silver. Louise was the ultimate hostess. She loved her yard and gardens and could be seen mowing the lawn in her heels. She was also an avid animal lover.

Education was important to Louise, and she took pride in the fact that all four children went to college and earned their bachelor's degrees. She read countless books on the Civil War and read the daily newspapers throughout her life. She was known for her letter-writing and her uniquely-beautiful penmanship.

Once her husband, Ward, retired, Louise spent time sailing with him on his boat, which they docked in Forked River, NJ. Ward and Louise also enjoyed driving to New England to visit relatives, as well as to Florida in the winter months.

During these years, there was much time spent with the grandchildren who visited frequently. Louise spoiled them with love and attention, reading to them, baking with them, sewing clothes for their dolls, and creating endless arts and crafts with them. She was a wonderful storyteller, frequently passing along her family history. She has left a mark on each of their lives.

Louise is preceded in death by her eleven siblings. She is survived by her husband, Thomas "Ward" Welsh, and their children Elizabeth Welsh of Philadelphia, PA, Hilary DeMezza of Cinnaminson, NJ, Tom Welsh of Philadelphia, PA, and Virginia Friedman and husband Ron of Catonsville, MD. She was also the devoted grandmother of Ibrahim Sagatov and wife Robyn, Shabana Knight and husband David, Lauren Soss and husband John, Blue Welsh, Alexander Sagatov and wife Catherine, Dana DeMezza, and Daisy Welsh. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held privately. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Greenpeace www.greenpeace.org or Doctors Without Borders www.doctorswithoutborders.org , two organizations Louise supported. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with her family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com

Arrangements under the care of Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad Street, Riverton, NJ 08077 (856-829-2700)