Mrs. Louise P. Gendreau

Louise P. Gendreau Gentle and Loving Soul HUDSON, NH- Louise P. Gendreau was born February 21, 1949, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on January 23, 2026. She left this world wrapped in love, having given so much of her heart, strength, and devotion to those fortunate enough to be part of her life. She was the beloved daughter of the late Agnes F. (Balnis) Cudworth and John C. Cudworth, and a proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1966. From a young age, Louise carried a quiet strength, a deep compassion for others, and a spirit that naturally drew people to her. Louise was the beautiful and devoted wife of Joseph Gendreau, whom she married in February of 1970. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, built on love, sacrifice and commitment. She was a deeply loving mother to her stepdaughter Sandra and her husband Richard Gay of Dracut, Massachusetts, and their daughter Jacqueline Casanova; her son Joseph and his wife Kimberly Gendreau of Parsonsfield, Maine, and their children Annabelle Cote Gendreau and Alex Gendreau; and her son Jamie and his wife Jessica Gendreau of Hudson, New Hampshire, and their children Brady Cushing, Mia Gendreau, and Emily Cushing. She was also the great-grandmother of Carson Hermance. Louise is survived by her sisters, JoAnn Dean of Concord, North Carolina; Donna Kenney and her husband Peter of Webster, New Hampshire; and Kim Manning of Parsonsfield, Maine; as well as her brother, Scott Cudworth and his wife Karen of Shapleigh, Maine. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Dawn E. Gendreau; her sister, Barbara Pare; and her brother, J. William Cudworth. Louise held an especially close and sacred bond with her granddaughter Mia Gendreau, whom she lovingly helped care for and raise during the first years of her life. Their connection was profound and unbreakable. Mia brought light, purpose, laughter, and renewed meaning to Louise’s later years, and Louise’s love shaped Mia’s life in ways that will last forever. Louise found joy in life’s simple, beautiful moments—watching her birds each morning from her porch, tending to her home and gardens, crafting, and caring for those she loved. She treasured long rides along the Maine coast, often stopping for Lobsters and ice cream, soaking in the ocean air and the peace it brought her soul. She adored her dogs, Gonzo and Cooper, who gave her constant comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. In her younger years, Louise was known for her adventurous spirit—you could catch her racing Joe’s ’57 Chevy down the boulevard, famous for pulling a mean hole shot. She carried that fire and boldness throughout her life. Within her family, she was legendary for her from-scratch carrot cake (her son Jamie’s favorite), her buffalo wings, and her cherished family recipe Lithuanian potato salad—meals that weren’t just food, but expressions of love. During her working years, Louise was employed as a customer service representative for Curriculum Associates and later as a real estate agent for Dick Lepine. She was known for her kindness, work ethic, and genuine care for others. For the past five years, Louise courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating and cruel illness that slowly steals memories, independence, and identity from those it touches. It is a disease that takes far too much and gives nothing in return—robbing families of time, clarity, and the simple gifts of conversation, recognition, and shared memories. Yet even as Alzheimer’s took pieces of her, it could never take her essence, her love, her goodness, or the deep imprint she left on every life she touched. Through it all, Louise faced this unimaginable journey with quiet strength, dignity, and grace, always surrounded by love. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Fairview Senior Living for the exceptional care, compassion, and humanity they showed Louise during the final years of her life. As Louise was transitioning to be brought home to God, many staff members stopped by to share their love and stories. While her family always knew how special Louise was, hearing those memories brought warmth, peace, and comfort during a heartbreaking time. She was truly blessed to be so deeply loved beyond her family walls. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND LOUISE’S CALLING HOURS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 FROM 4 PM UNTIL 7 PM AT THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL. LOUISE’S COMMITAL SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT 10 AM FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026 AND WILL GO IN PROCESSION TO THE CHAPEL AT ST. JOSEPH’S CEMETERY, 96 RIVERNECK ROAD, CHELMSFORD, MA 01824. BURIAL WILL FOLLOW IN THE CEMETERY. LOUISE’S LOVE, FAITH, STRENGTH, HUMOR AND UNFORGETABLE SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF ALL WHP KNEW HER. HER LEGACY IS WRITTEN IN GENERATIONS OF FAMILY, IN TRADITIONS PASSED DOWN, IN STORIES TOLD, IN LOVE GIVEN FREELY, AND IN LIVES FOREVER CHANGED BY HER PRESENCE. SHE WAS A WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER, SISTER, FRIEND-AND A BEAUTIFUL SOUL WHO MADE THE WORLD GENTLER SIMPLY BY BEING IN IT. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY KINDLY ASKS THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO THE ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA IN LOUISE GENDREAU’S HONOR, HELPING SUPPORT OTHER FAMILIES FACING THIS DEVASTATING DISEASE AND HONORING THE STRENGTH, COURAGE AND LOVE LOUISE SHOWED THROUGHOUT HER JOURNEY. DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT alzfdn.org. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com

Mrs. Louise P. Gendreau

February 21, 1949 - January 23, 2026