Lois G. (Wooten) Sawin

WORCESTER - Lois G. (Wooten) Sawin, 79, of Worcester, beloved wife of David A. Sawin, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2014, after a long term illness.



In addition to her husband of 52 years, Lois is survived by her two sons, James D. Sawin and his wife, Linda of Sterling and Stephen W. Sawin and his wife, Sheryl of Moorestown, NJ. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Marguerite, Jonathan, Benjamin, Laura and Evelyn Sawin; a sister, Barbara A. Chapman and her husband, Maro H. Chapman of West Simsbury, CT and a nephew, Mark A. Chapman of Granby, CT.



Lois was born and grew up in Worcester, the daughter of James and Gertrude (Andersen) Wooten, and lived 45 years in Holden before moving to the Briarwood Retirement Community in 2011. She graduated from North High School where she enjoyed playing field hockey and was a member of the school band. Having declared that "she always wanted to be a nurse", Lois earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, NC and was inducted into the School of Nursing Honor Society.



Lois returned to her roots in Worcester to begin a professional career of over 35 years with the Visiting Nurses Association, Hahnemann Hospital and the UMass Memorial Hospital. She served as Staff Nurse in medical, surgical, maternity and neonatology disciplines. Lois enjoyed teaching others. While at the VNA, she taught courses offered to expectant couples and was the Field Teacher for college degree nursing students. She was a State Certified Instructor in health career education and taught at Wachusett Regional High School.



Athletic activities came naturally to Lois. She enjoyed hiking, biking, the Red Sox, recreational bowling and was a lifesaver certified swimmer. Each summer for over a decade, Lois would ready the family tent trailer for the highly anticipated camping adventure with her husband, two sons and family beagle. As a teen, she was an avid camper, camp bugler and ultimately Waterfront Director at the Girl Scout camp, Green Eyrie in Harvard.



Family and church were central to Lois' life. She was very proud of and passed down the traditions of foods, baking and customs of her Swedish heritage, especially for Christmas Eve. To relax, Lois would skillfully knit for her family those still treasured articles such as sweaters, hats, baby blankets and the Christmas stockings now hung by her grandchildren. For over 60 years, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Worcester, serving in numerous capacities and as a member of the church choirs from her youth. She loved music and for many years, enjoyed singing for the Worcester Music Festival Chorus.



Lois was a consummate nurse and caregiver, devoted to her family and committed to improving the quality of life of those around her. She will be missed beyond measure. The family thanks the Willow Lane care group at Knollwood Nursing Center for their compassionate care of Lois during her stay.





Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. A Funeral Service celebrating Lois' life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, followed by burial at Grove Cemetery, Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Lois to be made for scholarships to the Duke University School of Nursing, 710 West Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701.



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