SOUTHINGTON, Conn. – Lois Miriam Erskine Collyer of 2 South Road, died at home on Friday, Jan. 9, 2004, surrounded by loving family and friends, three days before her 91st birthday. Born Jan. 12, 1913, in Aroostook County in the town of Easton, she was the fourth child of the late Harris R. Erskine and Annie MacLean Erskine. She was the valedictorian of Easton High School, Class of 1930. She worked as a telephone operator in Easton, until moving to Boston to study acting. There she met her first-husband, Walter G. Collyer, and had three children. After his death, Lois married Albert E. Collyer Jr., Walter’s brother, and the family settled in Malden, Mass. During that time, Lois worked in the office of a Boston plumbing firm and as a certified nursing assistant in a Malden nursing home. Albert and Lois moved to Florida in 1978. After Albert’s death in 1994, Lois moved to Southington, Conn., to be closer to family. The joy of her life was her family, whose activities and accomplishments always fascinated and amazed her. She is survived by three children and their families, Rita and Richard Barbieri of Southington, Conn., Ronald and Roberta Collyer of Somers, Conn., and Annie and Jack Sutton of Yarmouth; nine grandchildren and their families, including 14 great-grandchildren who also survive and miss her: Richard and Debra Barbieri and Alex, Erik and Zack of Stephens City, Va., Raye Barbieri and George Gabriel and Elias and Olivia Gabriel of New York City, Roberta Barbieri and Conor, Cooper and Colton Peacock of Stamford, Conn., Bert and Theresa Collyer and Jacob of Middletown, Amy Wessner and her fianc_, Jim Roach, of Vernon, Joyce and Kevin Anderson, and Lindsay and James of Melrose, Mass., Joan and Gary Dollarhite of Montclair, Va., Joelle and Steve Wilkins and Rusty, John and Annie of Ft. Carson, Colo., and Jay and LeaAnne Sutton of Gorham. Lois was predeceased by her first husband, Walter, in 1941; a baby son, Edwin, in 1946; her second husband, Albert, in 1994; as well as two sisters, Carmen Matthews and Una Hunt; and brother, Maxwell Erskine. Well lived for her positive outlook, impish humor and tremendous bear hugs, Lois will be grievously missed by all of her family and friends. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Alkesh Patel and his staff, Celeste Lamarre and Robert Kuhr of Visiting Nurses Association of Southington, Melissa Naiman of Hospice of Central Connecticut, the Rev. Florence Eddins of Grace United Methodist Church, and Lois’ caregiver, Patricia Degorl, who all offered such loving and comforting care. Calling hours will be 12-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, Conn., followed immediately by the funeral service, conducted by Rev. Eddins. Friends and family are invited to a dinner on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. at Gene’s Conner House on South Main St., Plantsville, Conn., in celebration of Lois’ life. Burial will be at Florida at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of Central Connecticut of Visiting Nurses of Central Connecticut, 205 W. Main St., New Britain, CT 06052.
LOIS MIRIAM ERSTKINE COLLYER
