- March 12, 2018 Obituaries, Association
Louise Juanita McRoberts was born to Joseph “Bubby” Venuto and Ester Octavia Venuto on August 30, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Patrick Henry and St. Nicholas elementary schools and graduated from Vashon High School. After high school, she married William McRoberts and had four children: William Maurice, Virginia Ann, Dana Lloyd and Laura Arleen McRoberts.
Louise was from a family of eight children. She loved her family and her children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Louise worked for St. Luke’s Hospital for 35 years as the supervisor of Central Supply. She was a long-time parishioner at St. Bridget of Erin and St. Augustine Catholic churches. After retiring, she was a long-time volunteer at the parish clinic at St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Associate June Forrest knew Louise since 1992 when five Catholic churches in the North Deanery merged and became St. Augustine Catholic Church. Louise’s favorite expression was “git wit it” and she did “git wit it” to any task given to her. She would do her best to complete the job.
Louise’s work experience at St. Luke’s Hospital prepared her in her volunteer work as a receptionist and “girl Friday” at BREM, Social Ministry Outreach serving the community’s health needs. Medical students from St. Louis University School of Medicine served under Louise’s supervision. She helped new students not familiar with this working environment. Services such as health exams were provided on Saturday mornings for school children as well as services for women and families.
Louise was outspoken on social justice issues. She believed in equal justice for all people and would speak up for those treated unjustly.
June remembers when Louise bought her new car—a purple PT Cruiser. She talked about her “dream car” for days! She became ill and could not drive. When she recovered from her illness, she took driving lessons from AARP and could drive her car again.
Louise was particularly fond of being a part of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She was a CSJ associate since 1998 and actively participated in the St. Augustine associate group and in activities at the motherhouse. Being an associate was a part of her life.
Associate Arlene McDaniel describes Louise as a woman who had strong faith in God and was honored as a “mother of the church” at St. Augustine. She was a devoted Catholic, a choir member and a dedicated church worker who was always willing to help others.
Written by S. Janet Kuciejczyk with contributions from Associates June Forrest and Arlene McDaniel and the McRoberts Family