Louise L. (Neily) Canessa
Family & friends are invited to visit at the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107), Revere, on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 for Louise L. (Neily) Canessa, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service in the Funeral Home at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Mrs. Canessa, also known professionally as “Louise Jordan,” died on Saturday evening, May 12th at the Chelsea Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, following a brief illness, at 98 years. Born in Winthrop, she was a lifelong Revere resident, graduating from Revere High School, Class of 1931. She was an alumna of Emerson College, Class of 1936. She pursued a career as an actress & impersonator, here in Boston, during the late 30’s until 1950. She performed at concert halls and other venues, under the professional name of, “Louise Jordan.” She appeared on stage at the Colonial, Shubert & Wilbur theatres in Boston. As her reviews have stated, “her commanding stage presence will interest the most particular audience.” After leaving the theatre, she married Joseph D. Canessa; he passed in September of 1969. Mrs. Canessa hailed from one of Revere’s oldest families, the Neily family. Her late parents, George M. & Sarah J. (McDonald) Neily, owned & operated “George M. Neily Insurance,” later known as Revere Insurance Agency of North Shore Road, Revere. She has a long career with General Electric Corporation of Lynn, for over 30 years, in managerial & supervisory positions. She also was a Past President & member of the Revere Womens’ Club. Until 2 years ago, she was a familiar sight at her home at the corner of Beach St. & Carey Avenue, gardening or sweeping the sidewalk, pulling weeds… always dressed in a ruffled blouse, skirt or very dressy “smock,” with her hair done, cosmetics, flawlessly applied, jewelry on & usually in low heel shoes. Always, a “perfect lady,” and after I knew her background, “always on stage.” What a wonderful presence, she eminated all her life. When I took care of the funerals for her dear parents, the services were “standing room only,” & the flowers were elegant & unusual as well as the quantity. Respect, that was given to her at those times, only affirmed the quality & personality of Mrs. Canessa, realizing too, that she was an only child, she & her husband were never blessed with children or grandchildren… their respect and presence was for, “Louise.” She leaves three cousins: Charlotte Cuneo of Quincy, Sandra & Walter MacDonald of Boston. She is also lovingly survived by her devoted caregivers, Linda M. O’Hara & her family of Revere. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.
Services
Visiting Hours
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Funeral Service
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home.
Interment
Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.
As a child I remember Louise’s parents, Mr & Mrs George Neily. They lived next door and were like grandparents to us growing up. My parents, Frank and Doris Corbett had six children. Louise was always gracious to me when I would see her shopping and tell her that I lived next door to her parents. Louise would remember me and especially my parents with fondness. How ironic that I now live in the Neily’s house, one of four owners i.e. the Neily’s, the Denitto’s, the Medeiros’s and now Corbett/DeFeo. i will always remember Louise
as a kind and gentle person who was always interested in to what was happenining with you.