Louise Stephenson Haldeman

Louise Stephenson Haldeman of Concord, age 88, died peacefully at The Gardens at Newbury Court on June 8, 2026. She was a devoted community member, volunteer, and civic leader whose dedicated service has had lasting impact in Concord and beyond.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1937, she was the daughter of John G. Stephenson III and Elizabeth Cashman Stephenson. She spent her childhood in the Pittsburgh and Miami areas, but her family eventually settled in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. She attended high school at Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.

Louise matriculated to Wellesley College, where she studied English and History and was a member of the Shakespeare Society. She graduated in 1959, and remained a stalwart alumna. She was a 1959 Class Life Member and served on several committees, including the alumnae scholarship committee.

While at Wellesley, she became reacquainted with Charles W. Haldeman III, who was studying at MIT and who she knew from her childhood in Rosemont. After graduating, she and Charles (Chuck) were married, and remained together 59 years, until his death in 2018.

After marrying, Louise and Chuck moved to Back Bay, and Louise worked for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company. After a few years in Boston, they moved to Lexington and began their family. Later, when her children were school-aged, they moved to Thoreau Hills in Concord, where she continued to live until 2020. They also spent many weekends and summer days at the family farm in Granville, NY. After selling the Concord house and the family farm, she moved to Newbury Court, and enjoyed several more years of independent living.

Louise served three terms on the Concord School Committee, including as its President. She also served on the Concord Finance Committee, Personnel Board, and Adult Education Committee. She was a member, board member, and President of the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle. She was a co-founder of Concord FISH (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help), a service that provided rides to Concord residents unable to drive, and which has now been incorporated into the Concord Council on Aging. Louise continued to serve FISH for over 40 years, including as its President. She was also a member of the Milldames, an ongoing neighborhood social and service organization in Concord.

Louise and Chuck joined Hancock Church in Lexington in 1968, and remained active in its community. They were members of the Collier Club, the church couples’ group, for decades. Louise served as a deacon and contributed to several committees, including the Christian service committee, the parish life committee, and the social action committee, among many others. Over the years, she was also a member of several different women’s groups at the church.

Louise was an avid reader and appreciated music throughout her life. She and Chuck held season tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Ballet, the Concord Players and the Concord Orchestra. WGBH radio was the soundtrack of her home. She was fascinated by political history, gardening, and conservation, and was always happy to engage in discussions about those, or any other, areas of interest.

Louise was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind her son, Charles W. Haldeman IV, and his wife Margaret; her son, George S. Haldeman, and his wife Sioban; her three granddaughters, Katharine, Claire and Maeve; and her many dear friends. She is also survived by her brother, John C. Stephenson of Greenbackville, Virginia, and his daughter, Maria Stephenson Smith.

A memorial service will be held at Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington. Details will be shared here soon. Private interment will be at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may made to the Concord Carlisle Foundation, 37 Main Street, Suite 3, Concord, MA 01742.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.