Louise Mary Hanchey

Louise Mary Hanchey, 86, of Lake Charles passed away at a local care center on December 19, 2015.  She was born in Jeanerette, La on September 1, 1929 into a respected pioneer family of Southwest Louisiana.  Her parents, aunts and uncles held faculty and administrative positions in Louisiana education for many years.  Her mother and father, Louise Edwards Hanchey and Theron A. Hanchey, Sr. were Home Economics and Louisiana History teachers.  Her father was Principal at Grand Chenier High School in Cameron Parish, and was Superintendent of Schools in Claiborne Parish.

Louise graduated from Homer High School in 1946 and was a 1951 graduate of Northwestern State University, where she earned a BA degree in Home Economics.  She was a lifelong member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

Louise's career as a Home Economist in the natural gas industry spanned 35 years.  She specialized in home efficiency, food preparation, home layout and design, and home demonstration of the latest innovations in appliances.  She retired in 1987. 

Louise led an adventurous life of constant curiosity.  She was very detail-oriented and approached all things practically and conscientiously.  She was a dedicated and persistent genealogist, an avocation which took her to Barbados, the birthplace of her grandfather Edwards, whose family settled on the island in the 18th century, and to courthouses throughout the Southern and Eastern United States.  She was a member of the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Society and Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was also an amateur ornithologist and active member of the Louisiana Ornithological Society and the Gulf Coast Bird Club, with whom she participated in Cameron Parish bird counts and with whom she participated in a bird watching adventure in Costa Rica.  

Louise loved to travel.  While in college, she visited pre-Castro Cuba.  Throughout her life she traveled the United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Scotland, and England.  In the Scottish Lowlands, she attended the gathering of Clan Lindsey. Her grandmother Hanchey was a member of the Lindsey family.

Louise had a very close bond with her 1st cousins, with whom she spent many happy times at the annual Hanchey Reunions and during summers and holidays at the family camp in Mittie on the banks of the Ouiska Chitto. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Howard Hanchey; her maternal grandparents, Nannie Rader Edwards and Charles Clarence Edwards, Sr.; her paternal grandparents, Beulah Ollie Lindsey Hanchey and James Augustus Hanchey; and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She is survived by her brother, Lieutenant Colonel Theron A. "Buddy" Hanchey, Jr. USAF Ret. (Barbara Precht); four nieces, Karen Hanchey Koelemay (Kevin), Katherine Hanchey Krielow (Carl), Cindy Ficek Laurila, (Brett), Laura Beth Hanchey Hall (Bill); seven great nephews, Kristopher Koelemay, Santino Giacalone, Andrew Laurila, Colin Laurila, Nickolas Ardoin, Zackary Ardoin, and Bradley Jones. 

The family recognizes the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living for providing Louise with a safe and loving home for over 5 years.  We deeply appreciate Gloria McCall RN and her staff at Rosewood; caregivers Paula, Sharon, and Trina; the staff of Amedysis Hospice for assuring Louise spent her final days with dignity and comfort, and Nancy Hanchey, a faithful and loving friend to Louise for many years. 

Louise's concern for disabled veterans, impoverished children and neglected animals was reflected in her faithful contributions to those organizations.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Louise's honor to the charity of your choice. 

 
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Reverend Nanette Cagney will officiate.  A gathering of friends and family will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Pastor Ronnie Estes was the officiant of private Interment services at Prien Memorial Park.