Louise Colaianni 88, Meridian, Idaho, formerly of Pocatello, Idaho, died Monday March 14, 2011 at St. Luke’s Meridian Hospital after a brief illness.
Louise was born in Pocatello, Idaho, November 27, 1922, to William L. and Pearl B. Smith and was the first of two children. She attended Pocatello High School graduating with the class of 1941. She married her high school sweetheart Ray Colaianni in January of 1942. They had five children, John R., Mickey (Michael) Harmer, EuGene (Kim Hellmandollar), Candy (Mark) Richey and Cary B. Colaianni.
Louise was an avid golfer winning many tournaments, and she continued golfing until age 87.
Louise played Duplicate Bridge in Pocatello and was especially proud of her Senior Master status. She continued to play bridge at Meridian Senior Center until the time of her death.
She gave many hours of service to St. Anthony Church, spearheading Lasagna dinners and served as president of the Council of Catholic Women two years running.
The last three years of her life Louise lived at Tramore Apartments and had many wonderful friends. She loved her apartment and was happiest as she was able to do the things she loved, playing pinochle, Texas Hold ‘Em and bingo.
Louise is survived by her sister Emily Stroup of Carson, Washington; her daughters, Mickey Harmer of Meridian, Idaho, and Candy Richey of Eagle, Idaho; her sons, John Colaianni, of Pocatello, Idaho, EuGene Colaianni of Meridian, Idaho, and Cary Colaianni of Eagle, Idaho; grandchildren, Marcy Harmer, Scott Colaianni, Mindy Harmer, Eric Colaianni, Tommy Harmer, and A.J. Richey; and great-grandchildren, Danielle and Trace Dugger, Colby Colaianni, Colton and Lacey Herzog, and Drake and Dylan Harmer.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray, and her special aunt, Noreen Frazier.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shawn Nowierski, Dr. J. Perry Giffen, and the Meridian St. Luke’s hospital staff for the compassionate care and support they gave our mother and family. And a special thanks to her friends Katie Sinclair and Shirley Maniatis who took her dining, shopping, to movies, and most recently provided care and companionship while she was ill.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Community Center, St. Anthony Chapel on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Pocetello. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Pocetello. Following the burial a reception for family and friends will be held at St. Anthony Chapel hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions can be made to Meridian Senior Center at 133 West Broadway, Meridian Idaho, 83642. Arrangements are by Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, Boise.