
Louise Mary (Gish) Gish Holbrook
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Louise Gish Holbrook, 88, entered into rest on April 29, 2024. She passed away at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, with her nephew Randy Moore and family by her side.
She was born to the late George(Ray) and Cecelia Gish in Kempton, Illinois.
Louise attended Illinois State Normal University where she received her degree in Elementary Education in 1957. She began her teaching career in Downers Grove, Illinois. Though she initially taught different grade levels, she eventually settled at Washington Elementary School teaching 4th grade. In 1967 Louise left Illinois to teach in Salinas, California. Again she had multiple classrooms, but most of her career in Salinas was spent at Monterey Park Elementary School teaching 5th grade. She retired from teaching in 2003, after 46 years and countless students. Her students adored her and she was a beloved mentor to each of them.
In addition to teaching, Louise also worked part time for the Visiting Nurse Association for 19 years. She valued the friends she made through the VNA.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Holbrook is preceded in death by siblings Dewayne Gish, Lorraine Spies, Dale Gish, Lois Moore, Dean Gish, and nephew Rick Moore. Survivors include 5 nieces and 5 nephews plus many great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for Louise Holbrook will take place at the Salinas (California) Municipal Airport June 7, 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salinas Municipal Airport for a bench in memory of Louise and her long time companion Jim Chappell. The airport was an integral part of their lives together so they wished for the dispersal of their ashes there. Louise and Jim began their loving relationship in the skies over the Salinas Valley. Now their ashes will forever be together on the winds over the Valley.
Donations may also be made to the ASPCA. Louise and Jim adopted many rescue dogs over their years together. Each one became a loving member of their family.
