Birth date: May 29, 1962 Death date: Jul 9, 2025
Louise Buggins was born on 29th May, 1962 in Perth, Western Australia to mother Florence Elsie Hewett and father John Heron Buggins. She started smiling soon thereafter and continued that way for just about the rest of her life. S Read Obituary
I was Louise's postdoc advisor at U.C. Berkeley's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology from 1994 to 2000. I admired Louise for her consistently bright outlook and the guts she demonstrated coming from a mammalian research background to join a fruit fly developmental and molecular genetics lab that was employing one of the most sophisticated genetic systems being studied in fruit fly research at the time. Louise persevered in her unexpectedly challenging molecular and genetic characterization of one element of the fruit fly sex-determination signal that she discovered had a variety of fascinating and unique features. Her work let to a beautiful paper in one of the most prestigious Biological journals. Louise was a delight to have in the lab and to work with. I regret not having kept in touch with her after she moved on and am sad to have had to learn only in an obituary about her life both before and after my interactions with her. Members of a professor's lab are the professor's academic children, and while the academic parent-child relationship is certainly nothing in comparison with a biological relationship, it still is a travesty to have the academic child die before the parent. Ironically the celebration of Louise's life will be held in the same place where my own maternal grandparents ashes reside -- only one of many remarkable ironies I've encountered over the years that reveal just how small and oddly connected the scientific world is. I want to extend my deepest sympathy and most heart-felt condolences to all those who knew Louise, and especially to those who loved her. She had a good life but one that was far too short.
Tom Cline
Aunty Louise has always been the cool aunt who I aspire to be like “when I grow up”. I have many warm memories of her throughout my childhood.
One of my fondest memories is the time we spent together while I was travelling in San Fran. She showed me her garden in which she bred monarch butterflies (seriously - how awesome!). I remember being totally captivated by the beautiful gold seal on the cocoon.
Missing you everyday Weez <3
I have very fond memories of catching up with Louise, Anne & Matthew at the farm or at our home. Every time I heard we were going to see them I was so excited because they were all so full of fun.
Mum always said Aunty Elsie wanted her children to become independent. They certainly did and I was so proud of them and hearing about their accomplishments.
Louise was so bubbly and bouncy with a great sense of humour. I know there were long periods where we didn’t see Louise, but when we did it was like she was always there. It was so lovely to catch up with her at Russell & Kathy’s place recently. She was talking about the great life she has in California with Arlyn. They sounded like they had lots of laughs!
I can’t imagine how Arlyn, Anne and Matthew are feeling to lose someone so precious. Her dynamic personality will not be forgotten. It’s wonderful that her nephews and nieces grew up knowing and loving her.
I look forward to seeing Louise again on a paradise earth in true peace and security. Psalm 37:10&11
Pamela Danzi
Memories of Louise from the Boag Family.
So many memories when we were all on holidays together at "Wooregong" Grandma and Grandpa Hewett's farm in York. Also in Augusta and Coworamup. The video of Louise with the dog boots and having fun at the beach are excerpts from the holiday with the Bauers in the southwest. Thanks to Keith.
Deepest sympathy and love to Arlyn and many thanks for his love and care of our much-loved Louise.
Auntie "Tim" and Family
Hands up who was taken on the Muir Woods hiking trails during a visit to San Francisco :)
Love you always Weeze
Maff
