Lois (Melville) McKenzie – 89, of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. She was the beloved wife of 67 years to Carlton L. McKenzie, Jr.
Born on May 1, 1930, in Newport, RI, she was the daughter of the late John T. and Edna (Howland) Melville.
Lois received her B.S. in Education at Bridgewater University. She was a retired office staff worker for the Minuteman Vocation School.
She has been a resident of Peabody for the last 6 years and formerly of North Reading for 56 years. Lois was a longtime member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading. She was a Camp Fire Leader and Sunday School teacher for years. She volunteered at the local food pantry, FISH program, and Christian Community Service.
Lois loved to spend time with her family and her best friend of 67 years, her husband Carl. Lois was deeply involved in her church and many community volunteer activities. She loved little children and was an advocate for educational, environmental and immigration issues. Lois played tennis, loved to hike, swim, sail, make crafts and bake.
Other family members include her loving children, Steven McKenzie of Dracut, Susan Bowden of Tyngsborough, Linda Mason of Colorado and Gail Kosmel of Slovakia, her brother John Melville of Florida, sisters, Janet Manter of NH and Marjorie Knight of Foxborough; 9 grandchildren, Danya, Meghan, Alyssa, Bryan, Rachel, Kristin, Daniel, Tim, and Sarah.
Due to Lois’ love of community the family requests that in lieu of flowers please order take out or wait for a small business to reopen and support our local economy. In memory of Lois please dedicate your meal/purchase to Lois and celebrate a life well lived. Family, friends, and strangers please stay safe. Graveside services will be private. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
So sorry.
My sincerest condolences to the McKenzie family.
I grew up on Susan Dr. and was a Campfire Girl, great memories of both Mrs. McKenzie and Gail.
May your family & friends find strength at this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss sending my condolences
Sorry for your loss. We spent so many fun days at the McKenzie house on Pleasant Street
Many years ago Lois would babysit for mothers who wanted to attend a League of Women Voter’s meeting in North Reading. Lois was fantastic with children. They were always happy to be left in her care. It was very obvious that she loved children. she was always very kind, caring, and understanding with them. Lois was a wonderful women and will be missed by many.
My sincere sympathy to the McKenzie Family
Sorry to lose Lois from our church family. How wonderful her family has taken care of her, coming to church very recently. Sincerest condolences.
So sorry to hear this news. Lois was a neighbor for years. She was a lovely, thoughtful lady. Sending prayers and sympathy.
please accept my very deepest sympathies.
What a lovely request left by her family. She must have been an amazing woman
Uncle Carl, Sue, Linda, Gail, Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Lois was a wonderful woman and always would light up when around my kids when they were younger and also with my grandchildren. I loved her smile when she played with them. May she rest in Peace and I have all of you in my prayers.
My condolences to Uncle Carl, Sue, Linda, Gail and Steve. Aunt Lois is now at peace after those recent years of struggle, which I know has been sad for you all. Hold on to the great memories and she will be with you forever.
Linda, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. She cherished her family so much. Sending you love.