Lois Miriam Erskine Collyer of South Rd., Southington died at home on Friday (January 9, 2004) surrounded by loving family and friends, three days before her 91st birthday. Born on January 12, 1913 in Aroostook County Maine in the town of Easton, she was the fourth child of the late Harris R. Erskine and Annie MacLean Erskine. She was the valedictorian of Easton High School's class of 1930. She worked as a telephone operator in Easton until moving to Boston to study acting. There she met her first husband, Walter G. Collyer, and had three children. After his death, Lois married Albert E. Collyer, Jr., Walter's brother, and the family settled in Malden, MA during that time, Lois worked in the office of a Boston plumbing firm and as a certified nursing assistant in a Malden nursing home. Albert and Lois moved to Florida in 1978. After Albert's death in 1994, Lois moved to Southington to be closer to family. The joy of her life was her family, whose activities and accomplishments always fascinated and amazed her. She is survived by her three children and their families, Rita and Richard Barbieri of Southington, Ronald and Roberta Collyer of Somers and Annie and Jack Sutton of Yarmouth, ME; nine grandchildren and their families, including 14 great grandchildren also survive and miss her, .... Lois was predeceased by her first husband Walter in 1941, a baby son Edwin in 1946, her second husband Albert in 1994, as well as two sisters, Carmen Matthews and Una Hunt and her brother Maxwell Erskine. Well lived for her positive outlook, impish humor and tremendous bear hugs, Lois will be grievously missed by all of her family and friends. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Alkesh Patel and his staff, Celeste Lamarre and Robert Kuhr of Visiting Nurses Association of Southington, Melissa Naiman of Hospice of Central Connecticut, the Reverend Florence Eddins of Grace United Methodist Church, and Lois' caregiver, Patricia Degorl, who all offered such loving and comforting care. Calling hours will be at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004 from 12 Noon-4 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service, conducted by Rev. Eddins. Friends and family are invited to a dinner on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. at Gene's Conner House on South Main St. in Plantsville, in celebration of Lois' life. Burial will be at Florida at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of Central CT or Visiting Nurses of Central CT, 205 W. Main St. New Britain, CT 06052.

The Hartford Courant, Sunday, January 11, 2004