Obituary of Lois Florence Colpitts

The family are saddened to announce the death of Lois Colpitts at White Rapids Manor, Fredericton

Junction on May 5, 2023, at the age of 95.

Lois was born in Bathurst on March 29, 1928. Her parents were Marion (Ellis) and Lee Knowles. She was the eldest of eight children and was predeceased by her beloved sister Greta, twin siblings Tracy and Neva and infant brother Douglas, as well as her parents, and husband of 49 years, Kenneth Colpitts.

Mourning her loss are her sister Opal Rutherford (late Jack), brothers Ross (Gerry) and Hazen Knowles; her children Susan (Peter Judd), Bruce, Sandra (Paul Maskell) and Shelley (Lindsay Hayward); grandchildren Sean Maskell (Chantal Jollimore), Ryan Maskell, Alexander Colpitts (Megan), Alyson Judd (Sean Sullivan) and Rosemary Judd; great-grandchildren Adam, Brooklyn, Brooke and Lexie; sister-in-law Grace Smith (Robert); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois loved learning and had the distinction of receiving the highest marks in Gloucester County on her

high school entrance examination. She attended the Provincial Normal School in Fredericton in 1945 and taught in Cails Mills, South Tetagouche, and East Bathurst before changing careers, becoming a teller at the Royal Bank. She married Ken in 1952 and stayed home to raise their family, but did return to the bank in 1970 for several years, both in Bathurst and later in Fredericton where the family relocated in 1972.

Lois was very involved with activities at Christ Church (Parish) Church, including the ACW and Altar

Guild. Mom also enjoyed travelling and as a young family we had camping holidays around the Maritimes and Maine, with treks to Hamilton in various Chevrolets to visit our Ontario relatives. Our parents often travelled with her sister Greta and husband Frank, until his death in 1991. Greta accompanied them on a marvelous Alaskan cruise that celebrated Dad’s retirement from UNB in 1993.

She was a member of the craft group at the Stepping Stone Centre and took great pleasure in their many outside social activities together. Mom was a gifted knitter, and made many layettes for premature babies born at the DECH. We treasure the Fisherman knit sweaters she gave us as gifts, and many feet were warmed with her Briggs and Little winter socks.

Mom was a dedicated homemaker, community volunteer, and lifelong supporter of the Anglican Church. She was also a very proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She lived independently in the family home until she was a few days short of 89. She moved into the Oromocto Special Care Home in 2017 and then to White Rapids Manor as her dementia progressed.

We would like to thank the staff at the Manor for the exceptional quality of care given to Mom for the past five years, and especially through the difficult time of COVID.

Her funeral will be held at St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. Visitation

with the family will commence at 1 p.m. prior to the service. A reception will follow in the church lounge.

Charitable donations in her memory may be given to the Under One Roof Fund at Christ Church (Parish) Church or the Alzheimer Society.