Louise M. Tornatore

Louise Madeline Tornatore, 82, passed away on January 23, 2022. Louise was born on July 18, 1939, to Rosario and Sylvia Tornatore at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. She was the oldest of their three daughters. Early in Louise's life, her mother was hospitalized. From that moment and forever more, Louise was the protector of her sisters, Jackie and Roz. She was their lodestar, manifesting kindness, intelligence, and resilience.

Louise was a fervent supporter of what she saw as right and a tireless advocate for equality and justice. She valued brains over brawn, knowledge over ignorance, and her friends and family over almost everything. She was fearless in her support of people she loved, sometimes voicing that support bluntly, but always with caring intention.

Louise earned her B.A. in Social Studies, with an English minor, from the State University College of Education at Albany in 1961. In 1963, she received her M.A. in Sociology from the State University of New York at Albany. During her graduate work, she spent a summer at Stanford University studying statistics. She had a gift for numbers and data, which served her well professionally and at the card table.

In the 1960's, Louise worked as a research analyst and sociologist at the Albany Board of Education and the New York State Department of Health. In 1969, Louise joined SUNY Albany as Assistant to the Chair in the Psychology Department. She spent the remainder of her professional life at the University, retiring in 2001. With her boundless intellect, energy, dedication, and passion, she offered invaluable guidance and support to faculty and graduate students and helped build several nationally-ranked academic departments.

Louise had a wonderful way with children, amazing many with her imaginative play. She was dedicated to her nieces and nephews, always having their backs and coming to their aid when needed. Louise extended this generosity to many other children in her life, freely sharing love and warm advice.
Louise loved top-notch food, music, art, and gardening. She was a wizard in the kitchen, where her repertoire ranged from pastas to baked goods. Those lucky enough to share meals with her treasure the memories of great conversation and many laughs over delicious food. Louise had a flair for design and decoration, and was thrilled with her new apartment, especially the Hollywood glamour of her bedroom and the plans for her balcony plantings.
Louise was incredibly gracious with her family, friends, and colleagues, particularly with her time and expertise. She volunteered for many years at St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center in downtown Albany. She knitted countless hats for premature infants at local hospitals. She also generously supported a host of community organizations, from food banks to fire departments to public radio.

Louise is survived by her sisters, Jacqueline Wheaton (and her husband Clarke) and Rosezelle Tornatore, her nieces Stephanie Love (and her husband Michael) and Holly Wheaton, her nephews Evan and Nathaniel Read (and Nathaniel's wife Shahreen), and her grandnieces Vanessa Lee and Elizabeth Read. The children and grandchildren of her step-mother Justine also deeply mourn her passing, as she cultivated a special bond with each of them. Louise was enormously grateful for the love and support of her many close friends. All those who love her will miss her quick wit, hearty laugh, and warm embrace.

A gathering in Louise's memory will be held in Albany in the spring of 2022 – details will be shared in the coming months. Please honor Louise by giving generously of your spirit, time, and resources to your community and causes that you hold dear. If you want to support her favorite charities, consider a gift to St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center or The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.