Louise J. Brandwein, 93, passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was born in New York City to Rebecca and Murray Krauss. Louise was predeceased by her parents, husband Rowland Brandwein, brother Richard Krauss, and sister Roslyn Krauss.

She graduated from Alfred University where she majored in English and went on to earn an M.Ed in education. After influencing young minds in Connecticut as a teacher for many years, Louise reinvented herself and had a successful second career at Hewlett-Packard. True to the brand she sported in the 90’s, Louise embodied the “Life is Good” mentality throughout her lifetime. Louise was an avid reader, excellent Scrabble (and Bananagrams) player, and admired all aspects of theater performance including classical and modern dance, art, and music. She loved sharing these interests with her children and grandchildren and always reminded them of the criticality of having “culture” in their life. Louise was witty, fierce, independent, and a Bronx girl through and through, never missing an opportunity to be blunt and share what was on her mind. She spearheaded a variety of environmental causes and was devoted to supporting equal rights for women as well as Planned Parenthood throughout her life.

Louise witnessed many changes during her 93 years and remained in-the-know in all aspects of the world, sometimes even more so than her grandchildren. Louise was a loyal, trustworthy friend. She was kind and receptive – as she had the unique ability to be an active listener and do so without judgment. She had a lifelong interest in being healthy and active and was not content unless she could walk her (minimum) one mile every day, no matter what. Almost of equal importance was playing Mahjong on Wednesdays with the “ladies.” Louise’s cooking, specifically her brisket and kugel, will go down in history as being the best, even if she was too humble to admit it. However, while she prioritized health, Louise understood that balance is key, and one of her life lessons was that you never turned down a piece of chocolate.

Louise met Rowland in New York City. Family lore has it that they met in an elevator and Rowland was smitten at first glance. They enjoyed 45 years of enduring love. Her greatest talents were as a mother, grandmother, friend, and dog lover.

Louise is survived by her son Jared Brandwein; daughter Jill Brandwein-Fryar and husband Michael Fryar; grandson Joshua Brandwein and partner Marlena Konopka; granddaughters Chelsea Brandwein-Fryar and fiancé John Doherty; and Elizabeth Kroll and husband Joshua Kroll — and perhaps the ones who knew her the best of all — Toby Myers, Louise’s best friend of 90 years; and Chris Shaver, her best friend of over 40 years. She was one of a kind. We will love her forever.

Her family will hold a Celebration of Life on May 13, 2023 at Louise’s home: 3412 Misty Dawn Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 from 1pm-3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the causes that were of utmost importance to Louise:  Back Bay Restoration Foundation (BBRF) and National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL).