Clara Louise Caro was born February 23, 1919 in the Caro family home on Jackson Street and 57th Avenue. She was seventh in the line of 10 children born to Herbert Pinckney Caro and Hazel Kathryn Gunther Caro. She attended local schools, graduating from Pensacola High School and PJC with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was married to her true love, the late Berthold Russell Hirsch, for 40 years. To this union was born a daughter, Emma Louise Hirsch. In November of 1946, they moved to the Hirsch family home on Lillian Highway and 57th Avenue. "This apple didn't roll far from its tree."

Louise and her sister, Elizabeth Suarez opened Small World Kindergarten and Nursery School in 1954 located on West Jackson Street. They were lovingly called "Miss Louise" and "Miss Ann". In 2000, her daughter, Emy Lou, "Miss Emy", became a partner, and the preschool teaching continues at Small World Kindergarten, Inc. She was a member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class. Louise joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1940, was Worthy Matron of FL #9 and Past Matron. She was also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy II, Florida Division Real Great-Granddaughters Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Emy Lou (Michael) Bennett; three grandchildren, Robin (Buddy) NeSmith, Mickey (Kim) Bennett, all of Pensacola, and Christine (Walker) Morgan of Tallahassee; six great-grandchildren, Bo, Bradley and Brent NeSmith, and Brooke Bennett, all of Pensacola, and John Thomas and Emma Louise Morgan of Tallahasee; a sister-in-law, Elly Caro of France; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Hirsch; parents, Herbert and Hazel Caro; and brothers, infant boy Caro, Herbert, Jr., Frank and Gregory Caro; sisters, Lucy Andrews, Jeanette Mortensen, Elizabeth Suarez, Hazel Kathryn Caro and Nell Sherman.

The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Stringfield and our dear Rosie for all of the wonderful care that they gave our mother/grandmother/great-grandmother.

Pallbearers will be her nephews and dear friends. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Eastern Star FL Chapter #9 and the Joy Sunday School class.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 30, 2005 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. The Order of the Eastern Star service will begin at 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 31, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. Alton Butler and Rev. Steve Rascoe officiating. Burial will be in St. Johns Historical Cemetery.

Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.