Louise Van Zandt

Mary Louise (Louise) Van Zandt quietly passed away on January 20, 2022, at the age of 93. She was born the youngest of three girls to Claude and Ruby Green on June 8, 1928, in Waco, Texas. Her older sisters, Ruby and Wilma, predeceased her.

She married Ernie Van Zandt on February 2, 1951. She always said theirs was a match made in heaven. They loved each other dearly as well as their succession of Chihuahua dogs, each one named Gregory.

Louise was secretary /assistant to  the famous Texas oilman entrepreneur  Willie B Wilson.   He mentored her and encouraged her to go out and create a career which she did.

For many years, Louise worked for Randall's Supermarket in their Finance Department where she was a supervisor. After her retirement, she continued to stay in touch with the women she supervised and made a positive impact on them as well as on anyone who knew her.

What we remember most fondly about Louise is her love of family as well as her sense of humor and fun. She was quick to laugh and generous of spirit. An avid reader, she enjoyed talking with others about her latest books. Louise wrote every night in her journal about the events of her day, a habit she picked up during one of her first jobs. When Ernie died in 1997, her musings became a way to tell Ernie what was happening in his absence. Louise was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Waco, which she and Ernie joined shortly after moving back to Waco after many years living in Houston and other Parts of Texas. She loved eating Texas BBQ with yellow potato salad and was very proud to be a Texan.

Louise is buried next to her beloved Ernie at Waco Memorial Park.