It is with great sadness that we observe the passing of our dear friend, Louise Burch. Louise was a stalwart volunteer for Save the Pine Bush for decades. She folded newsletters and drove Rezsin and the newsletters to the post office. But, most important of all, she selflessly washed the dishes at the dinners, so that others could enjoy the food and the listen to the speakers. She did those behind the scenes important necessary tasks that needed to be done. I still cannot believe that Louise is no longer with us – she is much missed. — Lynne Jackson
Louise had a rough exterior and a heart of gold. — Rezsin Adams
All, Louise was a dear friend to us. She was always friendly, greeting people who came into our church, from where she was sitting. She was highly efficient and always completed what she set out to do. She was a worker and she always had good advise for us. We will miss her greatly and we keep Chet in our prayers. — John Wolcott and Linda Becker
Louise Burch was a reliable worker at Save the Pine Bush dinners, every month for many years. She did the dishes while we all got to eat and watch the program. She was also very upbeat and a lot of fun. I will miss her. — Russell Ziemba
Hello, It is with heavy heart I write you after learning of the passing of our dear friend and dedicated Save the Pine Bush volunteer Louise Burch. While many of you may know better Louise’s husband Chet, whose booming voice and handlebar mustache for years has announced the commencement of serving of our dinners, Louise more often than not would be behind the scene working in the kitchen, helping with its preparation and after, washing our dirty dishes and making sure all were returned to their proper places in the cupboards. My condolences to Chet. —Jim Travers
Here is her obituary from the Times Union:
ALBANY Louise F. Burch, 65, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. She was the daughter of Herbert E. Field, Sr. and the late Esther LaMotte. She was a 1965 graduate of Morrisville-Eaton Central Schools and a 1967 graduate of SUNY Morris-ville. She was employed at Albany Medical Center Hospital and also with various visiting nurses companies in the capital district. She held several offices at the Albany chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Save the Pine Bush, Caroga Fish & Game club and the Society for Creative Anachronism. Louise was hard working and enjoyed embroidery and beading. She embroidered many linen napkins for the Morrisville-Eaton 65 reunion, and was a needle working queen. She was a member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association where she was the medical director for the Northeastern Primitive Rendezvous and the Eastern Primitive Rendezvous, and also the secretary of the Protestant Young Adults. She was an elder at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Westminster Presbyterian Church where she also served as a trustee. She was a volunteer with the Albany Red Cross, Louise loved and cared for everyone. In addition to her father, Louise is survived by her husband of over 41 years, Chester J. Burch; her brother, Thomas (Patricia) Field; her sisters, Rachael (Bruce) Epstein and Mary Stewart. She is also survived by her aunts, Dorcas (Jesse) Townsley and Mary (Ernest) Slusher; her uncles, John Field and James (Doreen) LaMotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State Street, Albany, NY 12210. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY 12210 in Louise’s memory. To leave a special message for the family, please visit http://www.newcomeralbany.com
Published in March/April 2013 Save the Pine Bush Newsletter