Louise Cairns

LOUISE CAIRNS

Cedar Rapids

Louise Cairns, 88, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Tryon, N.C., died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, in Cedar Rapids. A family memorial service will be held this summer in Estes Park, Colo.

Surviving are her children, Bruce Cairns of Estes Park, Jim Cairns (Janice) of Clarksville, Ga., John Cairns (Jim Foxwell) of Cedar Rapids, Judy Boburka (John) of Summit, N.J., and Katherine Cairns of Columbia, S.C.

She was preceded in death by her

husband, Charles Cairns; brother, Roe Howard; sister, Mary Shiveley; and parents, Clifford and Lois Johnston.

Alice Louise Johnston Cairns was born Aug. 14, 1927, in Yankton S.D., youngest child of Clifford and Lois Johnston. She attended school in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from Davenport High School in 1945. She attended Coe College and there met her husband, Charles "Charley" Cairns of Evanston, Ill. They were married at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids on May 29, 1948.

Charley had a 32-year career with Dow Chemical Co. and he and Louise lived in Detroit, Mich., Midland, Mich., Birmingham, Mich., Northbrook, Ill., and Summit, N.J. They raised five children and in 1980, retired to Tryon, N.C.

Louise was an enthusiastic golfer, a member of the Sweet Adelines Chorus in New Jersey, and was a great hostess and the life of every party. She was the queen of cocktails and the lady who loved "heavy hor dourves."

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends all over the country. A toast with Jack Daniel's will always remind us of her fun spirit.

Notes of condolence may be sent to John Cairns, 2036 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

The family wishes to express their deep thanks to St. Luke's Hospital and especially St. Luke's Hospice staff, who made her last days comfortable and peaceful.