Louise M. Hirtle

 Louise M. Hirtle, 96, formerly of Winter Haven, FL and Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2020 at home in Epping, NH.

Louise was born April 14, 1924 in Newburyport, MA to George and Elizabeth (Littlefield) Meinerth.  She was a graduate of Newburyport High Class of 1941.  Louise was married for 51 years to the late James E. Hirtle of Rowley, MA and resided in Newburyport until their retirement to Winter Haven, FL in 1980.

During WWII, while James served on a lightship off Cape Hatteras, she worked at the naval station in Norfolk, VA.  After the war the couple returned to Newburyport and started a family.  Louise was proud of her work experience at CBS Hytron in Newburyport and Western Electric in North Andover from which she retired.

Louise is survived by her children Jane (Lawrence) Saunders of Hamburg, NY, Richard (Diane) of Florence, MA, Susan (Robert) McCarthy of Epping, NH and Barbara (David) Kowalski of Groveland, MA.  She is also survived by a special nephew Larry and his wife Marjie Meinerth of Wildwood, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was lovingly known as “Gram” to her seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Louise and Jim passed on their love of camping and the outdoors to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Louise was very active in retirement; traveling, camping, swimming, bicycling, reading and indulging her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are so very grateful for all of her life experiences that she graciously shared with the entire family.

At the request of family,  services will be private.  Donations in her name may be made to the Salvation Army or Rockingham VNA & Hospice, Attn: We Care Program, 137 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833.

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