Louise Martin Mullan, 83, died June 22, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Louise was born in Uniontown, Pa., to Thomas and Anna Louise (Martin) Mullan. She lived there until she graduated from high school. She and her brother Bill were close their entire lives. Louise earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Institutional Management from Iowa State University in 1960 and a Master of Science in 1967.
She accepted a position in the Food Science and Nutrition department at the University of Minnesota in 1970 and was an active faculty member for 31 years, advising and mentoring hundreds of dietetics students. Louise taught all the food service management courses required for dietetics, served as director of the Didactic Program and chaired the Nutrition and Dietetics Undergraduate Program.
During her distinguished career, Louise received several notable university and college awards before her retirement in 2001. A scholarship was established in Louise’s name in 1998, promoting diversity in the field of nutrition by supporting students from underrepresented groups. Louise took great pride and joy during her career helping students become successful young professionals.
Louise bought a duplex in St. Anthony Park in 1977 and rented out the lower half to young professionals. She was an amazing landlord, going above and beyond helping her renters navigate through life as young adults.
Outside of work, Louise was very involved with St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ. She served as a church officer, often using her skills and knowledge to plan events and community meals. She made many close friends within the church community and stayed in touch with them through to the end. Louise also became the neighborhood “aunt” helping out families and friends whenever she could — no matter what time of day it was — with babysitting, driving friends to and from appointments or lending her car. As the Parkinson’s progressed, Louise sold her duplex and moved into assisted living at Cherrywood. We thank the staff at Amira Choice Cleveland (formerly Cherrywood) in Roseville for all the care and support they gave Louise while she lived there. A memorial service for Louise will be at the St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave., on Sept. 22, 2022, at 2 p.m.
