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The Hoovers left Washington, D.C. in 1933. Lou was looking forward to time in California. She appreciated the informality of living in Palo Alto where she would have time for books, family, and fishing trips. Lou Hoover still kept up her work with the Girl Scouts, and she opened her home to Stanford University functions such as the Stanford Mother's Club Chrysanthemum Tea.
Lou Hoover transplanted her home one more time. The Hoovers moved to the Towers at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, so that Herbert Hoover could work on relief efforts once again. This time it was the Finnish Relief Fund that was necessary because of the outbreak of World War II. As usual, Lou Hoover assisted with the relief work. She was also elected chairman of the Western Women's Committee that assisted the Salvation Army in its campaign to gather clothing for the millions of war refugees in Europe.
After attending a concert with friends on January 7, 1944, Lou Hoover retired to her bedroom for a brief nap. About 7:00, she was struck by an acute heart attack from which she didn't recover. Lou Hoover was 69 years old when she died.
Lou Henry Hoover was an independent spirit who received from her family a love of nature and adventure, a sense of self-reliance, and the ability to value courage. She received from her education a scientific, analytical mind, and good mental discipline. She received from her husband, Herbert, a partnership characterized by respect and mutual understanding. She received from her children and grandchildren love and admiration. Lou Henry Hoover gave to the world a caring, selfless woman. She gave to thousands of Girl Scouts, guidance and sustained work for many years. She gave to the United States exemplary public service.
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