Louise K. Stefanelli, 2005

Louise M. Stefanelli and her husband, Louis, founded Columbus Hospital in Newark in 1931. In 1935, they donated the building to a group representing the Italian community in the city.

However, both Louise M. and her daughter, Louise K., remained active with the hospital for decades. Louise M. organized the hospital's women's auxiliary and was its honorary president for more than 50 years.

Louise K. Stefanelli was the Director of Social Work for Columbus Hospital for 48 years, beginning in 1949.

Both women were also active in the community. Louise M. was a member of the Newark Welfare Federation, the Rosary Society of St. Francis Xavier Church, the Friends of Caldwell College, the Bayley-Seton League of Seton Hall University, the Glen Ridge Women's Club, and the Bloomfield Chapter of AARP. She was named Woman of the Year by the John I Crecco Foundation in 1980 and the UNICO in Maplewood in 1981.

Louise K. was a member of the Boys' Towns of Italy, Essex County chapter, the Cosmopolitan Club of Montclair, Seton Hall Junior League, and the Gregory and Newman clubs, in addition to many other organizations.