Louise Kelleher Obituary

Louise Durst Kelleher MT. PLEASANT - Louise Durst Kelleher, formerly of Medfield, MA, was born in New York City, on October 12, 1924. She was predeceased by her husband, former Medfield town selectman Harry A. Kelleher, in 2014. Louise was an only child, raised in Jersey City by her hard-working immigrant mother Helen Durst. Due to financial hardships, Louise moved 13 times during her school years. Nevertheless, she excelled in her studies, while also learning the value of hard work and self-reliance. At age 21, Louise sought to meet her German father, Gustav Buchner, for the first time; they remained close until he passed four decades later. In her youth, Louise had a lively social life, gathering at the Jersey Shore with her "Highlander" friends, dancing the Lindy at every opportunity. She worked for a Navy shipyard during WWII and married former serviceman Harry Kelleher on January 8, 1949. Louise often reminisced about her youthful years in Jersey City, her busy family-raising years in Medfield, MA, and her retirement years in Hobe Sound, FL. She moved to Mount Pleasant, SC, in 2016 to be close to family after a medical setback. Louise was a loving mother who managed every aspect of her active household while raising six sons. She always enjoyed a good laugh and was a great sport when subjected to endless shenanigans by her mischievous sons and rascal dog, Blackie. Her hard work at home also made it possible for Harry to engage in town politics in addition to his full-time career. In her sixties, after years of selflessly putting her family first, Louise developed a passion for golf, which became the centerpiece of her retirement years with Harry in Florida. Louise and Harry travelled to many beautiful golf destinations throughout the world, and she continued playing well into her eighties. Louise was devoted to her six "boys" and their families, never missing an opportunity to attend family reunions, watch a good ball game, or join in on a family dinner out. During her final years, she could often be seen with a smile on her face watching four generations of family pictures streaming onto the video screen in her room. Louise will be profoundly missed by her six sons who survived her: Dr. Michael Kelleher (Catherine) of Naples, FL; Brian Kelleher (Kim) of Stockton, CA; Kevin Kelleher of Wilmington, DE; Paul Kelleher (Margaret) of Los Altos, CA; Peter Kelleher (Stephanie) of Mount Pleasant, SC; and James Kelleher (Mona) of Lake Oswego, OR;, along with her 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Services and interment will be held at a future date at the Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, New Jersey. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston