Louise Barbush Kostelac, born August 23, 1930, passed away on May 11, 2026. She was predeceased in 2016 by her beloved husband of 63 years, Joseph M. Kostelac, Jr.

Her greatest passion was her family. Louise is survived by her two grateful children Camille Kostelac-Cherry, Esq. (Hon. John F. Cherry) and Joseph M. Kostelac III (Dr. Pauline Kostelac), three cherished grandsons, John R. Cherry , Vincent J. Cherry and Joseph M. Kostelac IV; and eight adored great grandchildren, Johnny, Jackie, James, Josephine, Claire, John Francis, Raphael and Luca. In addition, she is survived by her dear sister Camille Galati, numerous nieces and nephews and dozens of friends.

Louise was a graduate of William Penn High School, Central Penn Business School, and received an associate degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. She was a sharp businesswoman and held many professional careers over the years. First working as a hairdresser with her sisters, she soon opened her own salon in which she worked for 23 years earning many awards for her artistry. After a career change to real estate in 1979, Louise worked as a realtor for 31 years, again achieving membership in the Million Dollar Club and receiving the Winner Circle Award.

Besides family and business, her greatest interests were music, her faith, gardening, community service and sports. A lifelong piano player and singer, Louise was active in Harrisburg Community theater and the Sweet Adelines. As the youngest president of Beta Sigma Phi Young Sorority she wrote and performed a musical production. She sang solo, accompanied by the world famous pianists, Ferrante & Teicher and was encouraged to attend Julliard School of Music. She was invited to participate in the Miss Pennsylvania Beauty Pageant where she was crowned first runner-up.

Louise excelled in sports lettering in tennis, volleyball, soccer and basketball, and was lead flag twirler. She played semi-professional women's basketball for a few years and had been an avid lifelong fan of the NY Yankees, a team she followed literally to the day she died.

Active in community affairs, Louise served on many boards including Red Cross, American Cancer Society, State World Gardening Society, National Federation of Garden Clubs and Curriculum Lay Committee for Cumberland Valley High School. She served as president of the then Ladies Auxiliary Knight of Columbus Penn-Cumberland Garden Club, the Garden Club Federation of PA, and Hampden Township Civic Club during which time she spearheaded a project to purchase the township's first ambulance.

The family would like to thank Louise's caregivers who provided loving care, genuine friendship and invaluable support to all of us.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 400 E. Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, with Rev. Neil S. Sullivan, Celebrant. Burial at the conclusion of Mass will be in Resurrection Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. True to form, Louise had requested that all family and friends wear bright, happy colors to her services; no black!

Donations in Louise's name can be made to Good Shepherd Church Renewal and Restoration Capital Campaign 3435 Trindle Road Camp Hill PA 17011.