Louisa Leah Pollack Pruitt

Dr. Louisa Leah Pollack Pruitt, PhD, a devoted educator, gifted artist, and proud Jewish woman of Puerto Rican and Ukrainian heritage, passed away on July 2nd, 2025 at the age of 78.

Louisa was born on October 15, 1946, on New York City’s Lower East Side (Rivington Street) to George Joseph Pollack of New York City and Elsa Coloma Dominicci Pollack of Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. Her life was deeply enriched by her multicultural roots, which she carried with pride throughout her life and career.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Moore College of Art and Design, a Master’s of Science in Cytology from Jefferson University, a Master’s in Science in Education, Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology in Education from Temple University, and, at age 68, achieved her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Education and Psychology.

Louisa’s career was as diverse as her talents. She worked for TWA, Philadelphia’s Hahnemann Hospital in the Pathology Department, and Reading Hospital, and also dedicated many years to raising her children at home. She was a remarkably gifted multidisciplinary artist: her portrait work in pencil, pen, and paint captured striking likenesses. She was also an accomplished sculptor and a skilled flute player who once dreamed of playing in a small orchestra.

Later, Louisa embarked on a long and distinguished career with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), where she taught Biology and Art across the globe. Her postings took her to Guam, Izmir (Turkey), Maastricht (Netherlands), Washington, DC, Wiesbaden (Germany), Vicenza (Italy), and Kabul, Afghanistan. In Kabul, she worked at ISAF HQ under the Department of Defense’s Office of Gender Equality, where she was honored as a “tireless and effective advocate for Afghan women.” Her service earned her several honors, including the Secretary of Defense Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award Medal, NATO Medal, and the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal.

A lifelong learner and polyglot, Louisa spoke several languages, including Spanish, Dutch, Yiddish, German, French, Dari, Pashto, Masri, and Turkish. Her intellect, creativity, and deep empathy touched countless lives. She lived by the J.R.R. Tolkien quote: “Not all those who wander are lost.”

Louisa is survived by her siblings: Paula Blocq, Ronald Pollack, Sara Jane O’Donnell, Lynn Doland, and Bruce Pollack; her loving children, Rachael Jenny Amen and Seth David Pruitt; and her beloved grandchildren, Zoe Meredith Pruitt and Mina Archer Amen.

Her brilliance, warmth, and spirit will be missed beyond words. We will cherish her memory always.

May G‑d bless her on her journey home.