Lois Joann Witham
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OXFORD - Rev. Lois Joann Witham, 85, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Southbury, CT on October 28, 2020. Lois was born on April 13,1935, daughter of the late Kenneth Graham & Mamie Estelle (Farris) Hulsman. She was raised in Reading, MA and graduated from Tufts University with a degree in education. She taught school in Portsmouth, NH; West Hartford, CT and Southbury, CT. Lois raised her family in Southbury for 24 years, where she was an active member of the South Britain Congregational Church. She loved selling her homemade candies, artwork, and published books at their Apple Festival. Upon her husband Richard's retirement, they moved to a gentleman's farm in Lumberport, WV. There, she worked at The Arc. She was later ordained, and ministered at three different United Methodist Churches. Lois found such joy in marrying and baptizing people throughout New England and West Virginia. While in West Virginia, Lois and Richard hosted a foreign exchange student, Daniela Laaks, who became a "third daughter" to Lois. Lois retired to Maine to be near her family's cabin on Thompson Lake, where she spent the past 85 summers. The memories made with family and friends through the generations, made the cabin very special to her. She was an active member and deacon of the Oxford Congregational Church. She took first place in the North Waterford World's Fair's Moose-Calling competition. Her trophy has been proudly displayed on the mantle ever since for all to see. Lois took great pride in her heritage and country. She was the Chaplin for the American Legion, Post 112 in Oxford and was so proud of the cannon donated by her grandfather on the town green, across from Oxford's post office. She was happiest getting to know those in her community, whom she cared for greatly. Her life was made richer by the lifelong friends and "adopted" family members she made everywhere she went. Lois never met a stranger, just a friend she hadn't met yet. With room for everyone in her heart, she always had an encouraging word, a big smile, a cheeky joke, and a tight hug for anyone. Her passions included playing cards and boardgames, working on puzzles, sewing, baking, candy making, reading and caregiving. She was an artist and the author/illustrator of her own children's books. But her greatest passion was to spread kindness, love and compassion in everything that she did. Her unwavering faith, which she confidently shared, allowed her to see the world with nothing but light and love. Lois was predeceased by her husband, Richard Francis Witham and her brother, Robert Blake Hulsman. She leaves behind her daughters: Laura (Thomas) Fleming & Elinor (Andy) LaTouche, and son: Eric (Cindy) Witham. Her grandchildren: Richard & Alyssa Fleming, Nathan & Sophia LaTouche and Noah Paul, Jaime, Ryan, & Nicholas Witham, were her greatest joys. She also leaves behind her treasured niece, Martha Hulsman. A memorial service will be held at a later date. For online condolences, visit www.carpinocares.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Oxford Congregational Church or the American Cancer Society.