Louise Lefkovits

Louise Lefkovits, beloved wife, mother, granny, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on April 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 16, 1953, in Croydon, United Kingdom, Louise was the daughter of Edgar and Gwen (née Dyer) Richards. 

She attended The Riddlesdown Secondary School in the London Borough of Croydon, where she was honored to serve as Head Girl in the Sixth Form. After completing her secondary education, she attended secretarial college before moving to London, where she worked at Collett Dickenson Pearce, a prominent advertising agency. Louise later moved to Brussels, Belgium, where she worked first as an au pair for the family of a director of Stella Artois and then in the patent department of ICI. It was there that she met the love of her life, Andrew, after a chance encounter at a cinema museum, changing the course of their lives forever. 

Louise and Andrew married in 1977 in England, and settled in Massachusetts, then in Albany, and finally in Kingston, where they built a loving home and raised their three children: Peter (Elizabeth), Julia Fry (Greg), and Benjamin (Meghan). She was a devoted granny to Jude, Elise, and Susanna Lefkovits, and Adeline Werner-Lefkovits, all of whom survive her. Louise is also survived by her sister, Carolyn (Tim) and her brother Peter (Carol). She is predeceased by her brother Nicholas. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces Hannah, Rosalind, Sally (Oliver), and Lara; and her nephews Jonathan (Tom) and John (Marta), as well grandnieces and grandnephews. 

A talented artist, Louise specialized in collage and mixed media painting. Her work was featured in numerous galleries and was a beloved part of Fall for Art for many years, where she also served on the organizing committee. Her passion for art led her to further her education at SUNY New Paltz, where she earned a Master’s degree in Art Education. She shared her creativity and love for the arts as a dedicated teacher, first in the Hyde Park School District and later in the Kingston City School District, finishing her career at Edson Elementary School. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Louise was an incredible gardener and cared deeply about the natural world, including a love of all animals. She had an adventurous spirit and a great love of travel. Both before and after her retirement, she, Andrew, and their family explored the world together, creating lasting memories on every journey. She will be remembered for her creativity, sense of humor, and the unwavering love she had for her family and many dear friends. 

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Sunday April 6, 2025 from 1pm to 3pm, followed by a funeral service at 3pm. Immediately following the service, the burial will take place at Montrepose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Louise’s memory may be made to Fall for Art at www.fallforart.org and People’s Place of Kingston at www.peoplesplace.org.