Louise Dean (Finkelstein) Leibowitz was born April 17, 1933 to Samuel and Rose (Dean) Finkelstein in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Geraldine Finkelstein Harelik, and her son, Scott C. Leibowitz.
Louise was a graduate of Hutchinson High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority.
On January 13, 1957, she married Paul A. Leibowitz and moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. She resided there until 1987, when she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona following the death of her husband Paul.
She was involved in many civic, social, and cultural activities in both St. Joseph and Scottsdale. In St. Joseph, she was active with Temple Adath Joseph, where she was president of the Temple Sisterhood for several years, the Albrecht-Kemper Art Museum, the Heartland Hospital Auxiliary and the St. Joseph Country Club. Louise was also involved in local tennis programs and acted as a housing coordinator for the annual Pro Penn professional tennis tournament for multiple years. After moving to Scottsdale, she was an active member of the Kivel Campus of Care Auxiliary Board, the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee and a member of the board of the McCormick Ranch Women’s Association.
Louise was outgoing and gregarious. She would talk with any stranger, especially if they had a dog, often delaying the family when they were out and about. She was a proud shopper of departments stores, such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, Costco, and Walgreens. Cooking was her passion, with multiple course meals any day of the week, fancy holiday dinners, or even a simple BBQ. She was known for her homemade peppermint ice cream, prime rib, fried chicken, red caviar dip, sun tea, anything on the grill, and her desserts. Louise made beautiful needle point items, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and watching light comedy movies. She adored her grandchildren immensely.
Louise is survived by two daughters, Leslie (Louis) Bowers of North Miami, Florida, Eve (Stephen) Bressler of Phoenix, Arizona, Diane Leibowitz (daughter-in law) of San Diego, California, four grandchildren, Paige and Reann Bressler of Phoenix, Arizona, Jessica and Jason Leibowitz of San Diego, California, her beloved toy schnauzers “girls”, Paisley and Molly, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Mausoleum. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
