Louise Gross was born and brought up in New York City where her father worked for the National Refugee Service.  A cousin of Bert Vallee, she met him through her family and is one of his oldest friends.  Bert Vallee was a frequent visitor to her family home, and after he and Kuggie married, Louise Gross spent much time with them in New Hampshire, Montana, and Florida, and travelling abroad.  She has been involved with the Vallee Foundation from its inception and is a Director on the Foundation Board.