Louise A. Tappella

Louise Tappella peacefully passed into Heaven on February 25th, 2014, after 100 years on Earth. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, in the famed Italian neighborhood known as “The Hill” she was actively involved in St. Ambrose Catholic Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Sodality, and The Hill 2000. For many years she participated in St. Ambrose’s parish La Festa and their annual Corpus Christi procession where clergy celebrated benediction at the street altar at her long-time and meticulously maintained Edwards Street residence. During WWII when her husband, Joe, left for war she skillfully took over his management of several movie theaters throughout St. Louis. Later, for over 30 years, Louise worked for the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals in group ticket sales. She took great pride in her work accounting for every penny of millions of dollars in sales. Starting with her marriage to the love of her life, Joe, in 1935, followed by the birth of their son, Denis, in 1941, she found no greater joy and happiness in life than being surrounded by her family. Frequent celebrations, dances, and gatherings with her parents, siblings, in-laws and extended family are what her life centered upon. She embraced her 100% Italian heritage and Catholic faith, often reminding her family there was no better place on Earth than St. Louis, The Hill, and St. Ambrose Parish. She took a leap of faith in 1998 moving up to Minnesota to be closer to her son, Denis, and his family. During her years in Minnesota she became a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish and developed an immense bond with her great-grandsons, Michael and Dominic, who created many laughs and fostered much joy for her. Yet, she would often speak fondly of her friends, family and life back in St. Louis. Louise is survived by her daughter-in-law, Rose; granddaughters Jackie Tappella and Jodie (Tony) Capecchi; great-grandsons, Michael and Dominic; and sisters- and brother-in-law, Mary, Katie and Richard Tappella, and Gerry Varner, along with several nieces and nephews of St. Louis, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, Denis; parents, Rose and Enrico Cantoni; and siblings Michael, Mary, Flora and Dorothy. A visitation, Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday, March 10th. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Ambrose Parish (St. Louis) or The Sick and Elderly Program of The Hill 2000, St. Louis, Missouri. Wise Family Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.To view the memorial video and sign the online guestbook, go to www.wisefamilyfh.com.