HOULTON – Lois Hovey Ward passed away peacefully Dec. 30, 2012, surrounded by her family. Lois was born June 9, 1925, in Houlton, daughter of Roland and Ella (Hagan) Hovey.
She was educated in Houlton schools and graduated in 1947 from the University of Maine, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. In 1949 she married James F. Ward of Houlton and together they raised three children. Lois was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. As her children grew, she returned to the workforce as a substitute teacher at Houlton High School and later she joined the staff at Cary Library, a position that nourished her love of reading and her love for the Houlton community. A gracious lady who enjoyed and appreciated many things, Lois especially loved summers at Drews Lake, family traditions and her large circle of friends. She was a lifelong learner and advocate for education, an accomplished and competitive bridge player, and an active volunteer in organizations that enhanced the quality of living in her community. She enthusiastically gave many hours to Cary Library, Houlton Regional Hospital, Meduxnekeag Pony Club and Visions Art Gallery. Lois remained an active volunteer at the library until the onset of her recent illness.
Lois is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Jim Ward; children, Bob and Paula Ward of Houlton, Jim and Debbie Ward of Bangor and Catherine and Bill Ferdinand of Brunswick; and eight grandchildren, Megan and Andrew McPartland, Patrick and Lyndsi Ward, Kelly Ward, Jeff Ward, Anna Ferdinand and Sarah Ferdinand. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Madigan; several nieces and nephews. Lois was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor.
A memorial Mass will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Saint Mary of the Visitation Church, Houlton. A time for visitation will precede the memorial Mass. A committal service and celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Donations in her memory may be made to Cary Library, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. For online condolences and guest book, please visit
www.dunnfuneral.com.
Lois Hovey Ward
