Louise Lindley Hatch
June 13, 1919 ~ February 5, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Louise Lindley Hatch was born 13 June 1919; died gently Tues. 5 Feb. 2013 in her room at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community surrounded by all of her children, her many friends and the priests of Deerfield.
Louise was born in New Castle, PA, the daughter of Lt. Commander Leo Lee and Marian Pierson Lindley. As the daughter of a Naval officer who was often at sea, much of Louise's childhood was spent at naval bases in California. She graduated from Berkeley High School and The University of California, Berkeley, "was not a hippy" but a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She was proud to say that all you needed for Berkeley in those days was a good report card and $24.50 a semester.
Louise married James Jefferson Hatch, also of UC Berkeley, son of Cornelius and Doris Hatch of Vallejo CA, owners of the Monticello Steamship Co., the fastest ferryboats on the San Francisco Bay. After graduation, Jim Hatch joined the US Army and Louise went from being a Navy junior to an Army wife who rooted for Navy for 21 years before considering the debt repaid and switching to Army. Soon after marriage, Louise and Jim moved to Fort Benning, GA. After completing Airborne training, Jim left for England and soon parachuted in behind the German lines on D-Day, while Louise returned to CA. After the war and from there on, it was many moves, in and outside of the country, and many children.
Louise's only sibling Phyllis Lindley of Chico CA sadly died just this past June 28th.
Louise is survived by 5 of her 6 children. Sara (Sally) Brewster Hatch and husband Gary Swartz of Vilas, NC and their daughter Lindley; James Cooper Hatch and wife Sherrie of Hawkinsville, GA and their son Chris, Marian (Muffin) Hatch Vallely and husband Paul of Bigfork, MT and their daughter Dana and Scott (sadly deceased); Richard Kenneth Hatch, also sadly deceased, formerly of Wintergreen, VA , and his sons Nathan and Joe; Laura Lee Hall and husband Robert of Aiken, SC and their son Graham; William Riley Hatch and wife Marla of Banner Elk, NC and their daughter Jessica.
Louise has always been a faithful and active member of the Episcopal Church and a member of the Daughters of the King. She justly earned the local title of "Church Lady". Louise played a mean hand of poker and shanghai, and loved a good party.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, 8 February at 10:00am at St. Giles Chapel of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community on Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC with interment to follow at Holy Cross Church Memorial Garden, Valle Crucis, NC at 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial contributions to be made to St. Giles Church, 1617 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803; and Holy Cross Church, PO Box 645 Highway 194 of Valle Crucis, NC, 28691.
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Louise Hatch – What a gal!! She was one fantastic woman. We remember fondly our days with Louise & Jim on Beech Mountain & Valle Crucis & also a visit with Louise in Asheville. Can still picture her with her walking stick on Beech. We think of her often – we’ll miss her. Our deepest sympathies to her children & grandchildren. Love, Sam & Maxine Potter
Riley , Marla and family,
With deepest sympathies. Thinking of you. Allen, Sue, and Ryan Archer.
My dear dear friend. She taught me so much and I was so glad to have a whole afternoon visit with her a few weeks ago. I remember our many road trips to DC a few years back. She always had a laugh and a good story to tell. She taught me all about the ‘proper’ way to set an altar and I am sure she will be working hard up above in no time. Thanks for the memories dear sweet Louise Hatch!
Hatch Family,
My heart is so sad imagining this earth without Louise. However, I’m sure that she is heading up the party in heaven!!
I want for all of you to know that Louise and Jim were like grandparents to Catherine and me. What joy, laughter, stories, and love they both brought to this valley.
Thank you for sharing your mom/grandmother with me for my growing up years!! She was truly a gift.
Mason
An incredible woman who I was blessed to get to know while I cared for your father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Cindy Long
Sally, Gary and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Riley, Marla and Family
I am saddened to learn of the passing
of Riley’s Mother. It’s never easy losing a parent, and I recall how close the Hatch family is. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your whole family
A full-fledged member of the greatest generation, Louise will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Louise was one of a kind-strong, gentle and loving. She will be remembered as a rock upon which we build the generations to come.
Another chapter ends for our community and a very important couple to our town. Many fond memories of Louise & Jim during the early days of Beech Mountain. My deepest sympathies to the Hatch Family.
What a loss. Your Mom was a HOOT!!!!
We sure had fun times with her. Gary enjoyed a Martini with her. She is with our Lord, she is home. We’re praying for all of you. Hugs to you Muffin. See you soon. Gary and Peach
Louise was a most special lady. We were afforded the opportunity to meet and visit with her on several occasions. She will be sorely missed. She is happy now without pain or worries. Her family is surrounding her and welcoming her HOME!!!!! your dear friends, Pat & Jerry Molen
Sally, we are sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers, mother’s are so very special. Larry and Karen McGinnis.
Bigfork loves the ‘Muffin Mom’! You are ALL in our thoughts and beautiful prayers-Mom is home!
I was so saddened to hear of Louise’s passing – as you know, we all thought of Louise as the Queen of Holy Cross! Indeed, Louise is one of the first and main reasons I chose Holy Cross. I was ‘church shopping’ in the High County. I went to HC one Sunday – sat behind Louise Hatch. I came back 2 weeks later and Louise said to me, ‘Welcome back, Nina-Jo.’ It’s been my home ever since. I know you know how much we all loved and missed Louise. Now she is with her sweet Jim…and no doubt laughing and up to mischief in heaven. Much love to all of you in the family – and her friends. Rest in sweet peace, my friend.
We were blessed to know your mother and your father. Mrs. Hatch was a sweet lady and a good friend to my dad and mom, Tom and Lizzie. You are in our prayers and thoughts.