STEELE, Lois N., 90, January 30, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at the Whitter Congregational Church, UCC in Island Falls.
Lois N. Steele, age 90, of Reading, MA, passed away peacefully in her home, Jan. 30, 2013. Lois led a full life and touched innumerable people with her deep care and joyful smile. She was dearly loved by many in Reading, in her summer community of Island Falls, Maine, and by friends and family in many other places.
As a teachers’ aide at the Barrows School for almost thirty years and a volunteer after retirement for many more, Lois was known by generations of Reading children as a warm and understanding adult, with whom they could always share a hug and smile. She spread joy and happiness to everyone she met throughout the school, especially around the holidays when she shared her home-baked treats with the faculty and staff. Lois will remain a lasting example of goodness and kindness to everyone who knew her.
In her iconic role as “The Fried Dough Lady” at Ye Olde Reading Faire at the First Congregational Church, Lois’ had the most popular booth for children and adults as well. Her recipe is still used at the Faire each year, served up by succeeding generations, in what is now known as “Mrs. Steele’s Fried Dough.”
Lois was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church of Reading, United Church of Christ for over 60 years, serving on many committees and commissions, and participating in the Tuesday Bible Study for over 25 years. In 2006, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Congregational Women’s Fellowship. She was also a devoted summer member of the Whittier Congreg-ational Church, UCC in Island Falls, Maine. Lois was a long-time member of the Massachusetts Orchid Society, The College Club of Reading, the “Lois Club” and a neighborhood bridge club.
She had a keen sense of horticulture, loved nature, gardening, her greenhouse, and all God’s creatures.
Born on August 23, 1922, in Malden, MA, Lois was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Steele, and sister, Phoebe Rideout of Wilmington. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Nute of Idaho and Philip Nute Sr. of Alaska; sister, Hazel Palmer of Bedford; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; niece, Judy Twomey; cousins, Malcom and Priscilla Palmer of Island Falls, Rodney and Janice Palmer of Houlton, Kirk and Margaret, Betsy Taylor and her husband, Casey, their daughter, Lois’s beloved Laura; Nancy Kennedy and a large number of other cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of Lois’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m., at the Whittier Congregational Church, UCC in Island Falls. Donations in Lois’ memory will gladly be received by her church, Whittier Congregational Church, USS
