Louise M. Gordon, artist, former civic leader

Louise M. Gordon, 96, died Sunday, April 5, 2015, in her home. She was born in Bethlehem, Pa., Dec. 22, 1918, and moved to Baltimore, Md. at age 8. At the early age of 13, her artistic ability was recognized and she was selected to attend the Maryland Institute of Art. Upon graduation from high school, she was offered a full scholarship to Drake University for Art, but her Victorian parents would not allow her to attend, considering an artist lifestyle too Bohemian for a young lady.

Instead, she was directed to Taylor Business College, Philadelphia, Pa. Then came marriage, motherhood and operating her own accounting business in Gradyville, Pa. There, she was involved in local politics and was twice elected as Edgemont Township secretary and auditor. She was a Republican committeewoman, president of the local fire company auxiliary and was a sergeant in the Salvation Army.

At age 49, she and family relocated to their summer home in Chestertown, Md. Returning to art, her work was immediately appreciated. Louise’s first endeavor was an oil portrait on canvas and it was featured as a front page article in the Kent County News, Chestertown. She completed all the undergraduate art courses offered by Washington College and many workshops offered by some of the country’s top artists. Her artistic talent blossomed. Louise became one of The Women of Washington College and was invited to be an art advisor to Chesapeake College.

She was a member of Kent Island Federation of Art, former member of Dover and Rehoboth art leagues, and past president of the Chestertown Art League. She was acknowledged for her unique impressionist style. She won several first place ribbons in juried shows, including a sculpture, receiving two awards for Best in Show and Best in Medium conveyed by the Maryland Institute of Art. Not only has she sold commissioned paintings locally, her art found its way across the country and Europe.

She often said: “Everywhere I look, I see something to paint. I would love to have another lifetime to do it all.”

She was a president of the Christian Women’s Organization, Trinity Lutheran Church, Chestertown, and officer of Flotilla 44, Coast Guard Auxiliary where she taught navigation and small boat handling. She was a member of The Chestertown Cruise Club. In her active years, besides her passion for art and sculpting, she enjoyed playing golf, tennis, horseback riding, boating and continued to be an avid reader.

At age 88, she relocated to her son’s residence in Rehoboth Beach. There, she was blessed to make many close friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James W. Gordon; and a son, Air Force Col. John M. Gordon.

She is survived by two sons, James W. Gordon of Coatesville, Pa. and William E. Gordon of Rehoboth Beach; daughter Barbara J. McClure of Townsend; nieces, Donna Hogan of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Joan Gruwell, Lewes; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many loving friends and neighbors. Funeral arrangements are private.

Memorial donations can be made to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, Newark, DE 19711, online www.delawarehospice.org/donate/. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.