Louise Funds

Louise McKenney Parenteau Funds died on May 26, 2025 at the age of 102.  Born in Newport, DE on August 2, 1922 to Mildred and William McKenney, she grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School, then continued her education at Drexel University, earning her bachelor’s degree, followed by an advanced degree from Johns Hopkins University, becoming a registered dietitian. 

While working at Nemours Children’s Hospital, she met her first husband, Gilles Parenteau.  Once done his residency at the University of Penn Hospital, they moved to Sherbrooke, Canada.  She remained there for the next 20 years, returning to the US in 1970.  After a career in food management, she reconnected with an old friend, William Funds, whom she wed in 1996.  Bill passed in 1999 from ALS.

Louise had many passions in life.  A professional cellist, she played with city and other symphony orchestras.  Other interests included cake decorating, golf, creative greeting card designs, needlework, scrapbooking and reading.

A devout Christian throughout her life, she was an active member of HBUMC and Elam UMC where she participated in women’s groups, was a choir member, ran a used clothing store and studied, led Disciple I & II classes, led book studies and joined various other groups. A devout reader of the Bible, she was known to pray daily, even when her eyes might shut.   

While her daily life was fulfilling, Louise’s heart was filled with love for her family.  She is survived by her daughters Andree Tyagi (Parenteau Hipkins) and Martine Watkin (Parenteau Vagnier), son-in-law Som Tyagi, grandchildren Giselle Hipkins (Mike Roth), Larissa Tyagi, Alex Tyagi, Daniel Vagnier, Andre Vagnier, and great-grandchildren Celeste Roth and Adelyn Roth.

She will be greatly missed by her family and those whose lives she touched, knowingly and unknowingly.

Services to be held at Elam UMC, 1073 Smithbridge Road, Glen Mills, PA  19342, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:30am, followed by a service at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, we request you consider donating to the Elam United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Glen Mills, PA.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Beesonfuneralhome.com

302-453-1900

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