GILFORD, N.H. — Mary Louise Rose Youland, known to all as Louise, born Aug. 17, 1914, completed her 103rd year on earth on Thursday, Aug. 16. She chose to celebrate her 104th birthday with her beloved husband, Russell, and her son, David (the two coolest dudes in heaven).

Louise was born and raised in Greene, where she spent her idyllic childhood on the family farm. She graduated from Leavitt Institute in Turner, and Gorham Normal School, now known as the University of Maine – Gorham, where she received her teaching degree. She taught in a one-room school in Turner, teaching grades 1 through 8 until she met the love of her life and married.

Louise loved life and was a gifted seamstress, an expert in the kitchen and devoted wife and mother above all else. She enjoyed many activities with family and friends who will miss her loving ways, zest for life and wise counsel.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband and son, Russell and David; her dear daughters-in-law, Nancy Pearl Youland and Beverly Jordan Youland; her parents, Oliver and Virginia Rose; her siblings, Dorothy Abbott and Charles Rose. She leaves behind her son, Frank of Rifle, Colo.; daughter Virginia Jones and son-in-law, Michael of Gilford, N.H.

She leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kristine Bowsza and her husband, Ed, Ruth Galinsk, and Sarah Gowdy all of Conn.; Kimberly Chesley and her husband, Robert, Kurt Youland and his wife, Karen; Kelvin Youland and his wife, Dawn, and Karen Chase and her husband, Wayne, all of Maine; Kenneth Youland and his wife, Debbie, and Clinton Youland, all of Colorado; and Beth Hanna of Florida. She was also blessed to be loved by a special friend, Denise Difeo-Cannon of Colorado. She was exceedingly proud to be blessed with 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.