Louise G. Thayer

Louise Agnes Govett Thayer passed away peacefully on December 3rd surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old. Louise can be remembered for her dry wit, intellect, entrepreneurial spirit, and zest for life.

Louise, the daughter of Thomas and Caroline Govett was raised in New York and Cape Cod. She graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall & Wellesley College with a bachelor's degree in Economics. She spent her time in the summers as a counselor at Avalon Sailing Camp in Chatham MA, where during a race, she met her future husband Brooks Thayer.

They married in 1956 and had four sons. In 1958 they permanently moved to Orleans, MA and took over running Camp Namequoit Sailing Camp. While much of her life was dedicated to the raising of her four children, she also assisted Brooks in running the Camp for the next 30 years.

In the 70’s, Louise and Brooks were involved with many of Orlean's community activities. They bought and expanded the Cape Cod Candle and Gift shops, where she worked as a manager. Louise also started a love of Golden Retrievers that lasted for decades, and she could always be seen with at least one dog’s head hanging out of her car.

In the 80's, her passion for food expanded as she wrote weekly food articles for the Cape Codder, and bought and published the series "Where to Eat on Cape Cod". Around this time she nurtured a love of golf and Bridge, playing both at Eastward Ho! and eventually becoming a silver master with the American Bridge League.

Louise loved to travel and spent years traveling the world with Brooks and they started living between Orleans in the summer and Key West, FL in the winter. After Brooks' death in the early 90's, Louise made Key West her main residence, while still summering with her family on Cape Cod.

Louise is survived by her sons and their families; Brooks Thayer ( Carol Thayer), Kent Thayer (Astrid Thayer, Griffin, Spencer), Todd Thayer (Robin Thayer, Brenden, Caroline), Grant Thayer (Deborah Thayer, Skylar) numerous dogs and 1 cat.

Calling hours will be at Nickerson Funeral Home December 9th between 11am and 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cape Cod Hospital foundation or other charity of your choice. Burial will be private.