Lois M. Lanier
Lois Mary (Fitzgerald) Lanier died Friday, August 16th after a valiant battle with a long illness. She was 83 years old.
Lois was born in Boston to the late Elizabeth (O’Connor) Fitzgerald and Joseph P. Fitzgerald and was raised in the Lower Mills neighborhood of Dorchester. She attended St. Gregory’s School and graduated from Dorchester High for Girls in 1947.
After raising her four children, Lois worked as an Executive Assistant for the Grossman Corporation until her retirement at the age of 61. Even during her retirement, Lois took great pride in her part-time work, which included working as a sales associate at Macy’s and her most recent participation in the 2000 Census as a census-taker.
Lois married the late John R. Lanier in February of 1951 in New Hampshire. She was the beloved mother of Ruth Mahoney and her husband James Mahoney of Milton; John Lanier of Walpole; Jane Montaquila and her husband Richard Montaquila of Walpole; and Norman Lanier of Lakeland, Florida. She was the sister of Ruth Hendsbee of Seattle, Washington and the late John F. Fitzgerald and Robert M. Fitzgerald. She was also the cherished “Nana” to Elizabeth Mahoney Cohen, Meaghan Mahoney Fava and Timothy Mahoney, Andrew and Hannah Lull, John Montaquila, Jackie and Jake Lanier, and Morganne Lanier, as well as the late John Lanier. She was also the adored “Lola” to Jackson James Fava and Aiden Matthew Cohen.
A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched so wonderfully.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory’s Church in Dorchester, Wednesday, August 21, at 11 o’clock. Visiting Hours in the Dolan & Chapman Funeral Home at 5 Canton Avenue in Milton Village will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 20. Interment Milton Cemetery.
If desired, contributions in Lois’ memory may be sent to: The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7295.
Guestbook Entries
Thinking of the entire family, and sending our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sandi and children
How will I remember Lois?
A twinkle in her eye, a smile to go with it, and always a story to tell.
Dear Jane and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s obvious to us that she raised a loving and supportive family who takes care of each other. No mother could ask for more. May God bless you and sustain you in the days ahead.
I will always remember the long beach walks in Marshfield and the eggplant parmesan sandwiches in Walpole with my beloved Aunt Lo. Her vivacious spirit will be missed!
We are thinking of you all at this sad time in your lives.
Lois was a great neighbor and friend. Ralph & Geri White
Ruth: A lifetime of memories our families share. I truly feel your loss as if it were my own. You are my other sister. My love to you and the family. Your strength and dedication as a daughter is a testament of your love for your mother. Aloha and peace be with you. Colby and Loretta.
Dear Jane & Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!
Love, Nickole, Junior & Billy