Maria Louisa of Bourbon-Parma was born on December 5, 1751, in Parma, Italy. She was a member of the House of Bourbon-Parma and the daughter of Ferdinand, Duke of Parma and Princess Maria Amelia of Bourbon. In 1765, she married Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, becoming Empress of Austria. Maria Louisa played a significant role in the court and was known for her charitable works. She had several children, including Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, who succeeded Leopold. Maria Louisa passed away on December 18, 1819, in Vienna, Austria.