Obituary of Lois Ward Reynolds
Dover-Foxcroft- Lois Ward Reynolds, 80, of Dover-Foxcroft Maine passed away peacefully on November 8, 2016, at the Hibbard Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Lois was born on April 11, 1936 in Dover-Foxcroft to Faye (Davis) and Sumner Ward. She graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1954. Her love of math and teaching began there when a basketball teammate asked Lois for help with a math problem. As Lois said, “I loved explaining math in different ways to help unravel the mystery for others”. She continued helping people unravel that mystery throughout her life.
Lois felt blessed she knew what she wanted for a career and that it was something she enjoyed. After graduating from the University of Maine in 1958 (her Master’s Degree came in 1967) she went on to a 32 year career at Yarmouth High School. Much respected by her peers, she was voted Teacher of the Year at Yarmouth in 1979. Lois was very proud of her time coaching the Math Team and the state title they won.
Lois spent her summers in Dover-Foxcroft as well as at the family camp on Sebec Lake. After her retirement she returned to care for her father. Never one to be idle, Lois immersed herself in the community. She was very involved with the United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, acting as financial secretary and participating in UMW. She was a Trustee of Foxcroft Academy, following her father’s footsteps, and on the Board of Director’s for the Charlotte White Center. She also tutored students at Foxcroft Academy and the local jail.
Lois enjoyed woodworking and two of the more remarkable items she built were a kayak and a grandmother clock. She loved the outdoors and spent much time golfing, boating, and visiting on the porch. Lois was always ready for an adventure. She loved travel and had the opportunity to visit Spain, England and China.
Friends and family were very important to Lois. Thirty years ago a mutual friend, Helen French, introduced Lois to Joey Veno. It was a chance encounter but it led to a friendship that Lois treasured. As she liked to say Joey is one of the “good guys”. He has remained a faithful friend to her. Lois loved spending time with her grandnieces and grandnephews. Before her passing she had the opportunity to meet her great grandnephew. He brought a smile to her face.
Lois is survived by her sister Judy Marshall and husband David of West Newbury, MA; nephews, Gordon “Bob” Robinson, Bruce Robinson and wife Joanna, Mark Robinson and wife Nancy; nieces, Elaine “Laney” Stanhope and husband James, Kim Mosley and husband Carl, Sue Takesian; and many grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Margaret.
Lois’ family gives special thanks to her incredible caregiver Nancy Robinson for going above and beyond and, also, the staff at Hibbard Nursing Home.
The funeral service will be held Monday, November 14 at 11:00 at the Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Stevens officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church, PO Box 62, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or Foxcroft Academy, 975 West Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Burial will be in the family lot in Dover Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.