Christiana "Louise" Rau

Christiana “Louise” Rau, 82, of Catonsville, MD, died suddenly on September 28, 2020. Louise was born in Hagerstown, MD to Florus and Ethel Welch on November 15, 1937. After graduating high school, Louise went to college and earned a nursing degree. She worked as a registered nurse for most of her adult life and spent 25 years working in a nursing home taking care of the elderly. Louise was also an accomplished organist. She was the Assistant Church Musician for Salem Lutheran Church for approximately 50 years. In addition, Louise was active in the Senior choir and helped with the St. David’s Children choir. In her retirement years, Louise spent most of her days at the church helping in the front office or anywhere else she could be of assistance. Louise is preceded in death by both her parents as well as her son Steve and daughter Nancy. Louise is survived by her husband Lowell Rau, children John Shinham and Tom Shinham, sister Sandra Schrohenlhor, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private funeral on Saturday, October 10th. Later next year, after the COVID situation is resolved, there will be a Celebration of Life for Louise that will be open for everybody to attend. Memorial donations may be made to the Salem Memorial Fund in Louise’s memory, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 905 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228