Louise Shapley



Union Grove – Louise Shapley, 89, a dedicated nurse, celebrated artist, and the proud scion of two of Rhode Island's most prominent founding families, passed away peacefully at Timber Oaks Assisted Living on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Louise was born in Long Beach, CA on February 28, 1936, into a family with a profound legacy of American service and innovation. Her father was the highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Alan Shapley and a descendant of the Brown family. Her mother was Eleanore Oll. Through her father, Louise was a descendant of the Herreshoff family, the legendary naval architects, and yacht builders of Bristol, RI. Through her mother, she was a descendant of the Brown family, co-founders of Providence and the university that bears their name.

Carving her own path of service, Louise earned a Bachelor of Nursing from Harper College of Nursing. She dedicated many years to caring for others as a nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in Racine and the Ann Arbor Medical Center, among others. A lifelong learner, she later returned to school to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Louise translated her family's heritage of intricate design from the sea to fabric, becoming a nationally recognized and award-winning quilter. Her beautiful work, celebrated for its artistry and precision, was highlighted in magazines. Her passion grew from a deep love for textiles, fabrics, and needlepoint. Above all, she was a devoted mother who lovingly raised her three children.

Louise's legacy of love, creativity, and service lives on through her children, David Shimp of Key West Florida , Linda Shimp of Chicago Illinois, and Douglas Shimp of Mount Pleasant Wisconsin; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Louise Shapley on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Purath-Strand Funeral Home (3915 Douglas Ave, Racine, WI 53402). A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a brief service at noon. Light refreshments will be provided.

Correspondence for the family may be sent to: LouiseShapleyMemorial@proton.me.