I'm the first to enter a tribute here; there should be a lot more. My mother is a part of me I feel intensely, an inspiration. She embodied almost all that is good in the world; uncompromising excellence in furthering music, devotion to family, a hungry and passionate mind, love of nature, courage beyond measure in aging to 100 while treating everyone with kindness, curiosity, and respect.
Louise touched so many lives. As I talk to people, I hear nothing but, "If it weren't for Louise <or Mrs. Curtis> ...". Louise touched my life is such a way that she changed it forever. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that the century when Louise lived was truly an era where the world was a better place, because of her love, her talents, her support and her presence.
Louise Curtis was an amazing influence in my musical life. She provided so many opportunities to sing in an ever expanding music program. Her encouragement was so important to my singing career. And the quality of the music was exceptional. But above all I remember her friendship at Follen and beyond until the end of her amazing life. I miss you and your kindness and good humor so much.
I echo all that has been said already. Louise had more influence on my musical life that I recognized when I was singing with her at Follen. She helped give me confidence in myself as a singer. And hearing the wonderful stories about her grandparents (and sharing her grandfather's songs with us), Samuel Barber, Kay Swift, and so much more. I carry much of her with me always.
To the Curtis Family,
I was a member of the Junior/Youth Choirs at Follen Church, starting in grade 3 through highschool. Mrs. Curtis had a HUGE impact on my growth as a person with a profound hearing loss. Under her tutelage, patience, encouragement, and joy of music, she greatly enriched my life during those years. Jan Schock Kraus
Louise Curtis had a profound impact on me and my singing career. I joined the youth choir when I was a sophomore in high school and went on to sing in the senior choir and eventually I was the soprano section leader. I will always remember her wonderful sense of humor and her incredible support over the years. Louise was truly someone who made a difference. She is sorely missed.
I sang in the Follen Church choir directed by Louise in the 1970s. The choir was a refuge for so many of us in our high school years… a place where we were with people who cared about us, under her kind leadership.
Louise had a wonderful laugh… throwing back her head with a big a smile. I know we must have vexed her many times, but she had a way of shaking off the antics of teen-age girls and putting the world in perspective with that laugh.
She gave us a deep love of music through our regular performances in Follen— Brahms, Mozart, Faure— in that beautiful, simple, octagonal church.
I spoke to Louise for the last time by phone early in the pandemic. Her mind was sharp as ever… she spoke frankly about her losses. She asked me many questions about my daughter, who studied music in college.
I like to think that Louise’s legacy lives on in the many children of her original choir members. We celebrate Louise every time we sing.
I sang in the youth choir at Follen from 1972-1978. I sang in yearly operettas and every Sunday in church. This is where I learned how to sightsing anything! Many years later, in 1997, Louise officiated my wedding in Lexington. I loved you and am so grateful for you Louise.
