Lois E. (Hanson) Chase, 78, of East Hampstead, NH died peacefully on Thurs. Oct. 8th at Parkland Medical Center, Derry, NH.
Born in Methuen, MA, the daughter of the late Leona (Palmer) and Harry Hanson, Jr., she graduated from the Edward F. Searles High School in 1949 and the MacIntosh Business School in Lawrence, MA in 1950. She worked as an underwriter for the Ernest L. Wilkinson Agency until her children were born. She was a past President of the Merrimack Valley Chapter of the Mothers of Twins Association. After the family moved to Hampstead in 1970, Lois was the co-founder of Stepping Stones Nursery School in Hampstead, where she acted as director/teacher for many years, continuing on as treasurer of the school until 2008. She began work as an Office Coordinator for Digital Equipment Corporation in 1976, retiring in 1992.
Lois was a natural born leader. If there was a need, she served. A Cub Scout den mother, a Campfire Girl Leader, an active church member, Lois’ life was busy and productive. She served as Deaconess, Chairman of the Christian Education Committee, Chairman of the Flower Guild and co-founder of the Strawberry Festival at the Hampstead Congregational Church. She was President of the Friends of the Hampstead Public Library. She was a charter member and President of Chapter D, Hampstead P.E.O. Sisterhood and later a charter member of Chapter Q, Exeter.
Lois had a gift for creating lovely things; with words in her poetry and notes, with flowers and objects in her altar arrangements, and with humor and kindness in her parties and celebrations. Her skills at organizing and planning were appreciated by all with whom she worked and played. Many circles of dear friends will miss this special lady, particularly her P.E.O. sisters, Her Stepping Stones colleagues, her old gang from Lawrence and Methuen and the members of Les Belles Mots and Magical, two special groups that Lois organized.
Lois was pre-deceased by her parents, her step-mother Ruth (Parkhurst) Hanson, a special Aunt, Natalie Webster, and her son Gary Hanson Chase.
Survived by: Her husband of 55 years Robert Cross Chase, Jr. of East Hampstead,
Son: Robert Scott Chase and his wife Dawn of Rio Rancho, NM,
Daughter: Lauren and her husband Randy Stuck of Granby CT,
Daugher-in-law: Kim Chase of Portsmouth, NH,
Sisters: Marilyn and her husband Jack Johnson of Warner, NH,
Janet and her husband Carlton Johnson of Wilton, NH,
Sister-in-law: Betsy and her husband Robert Figenbaum of Burlington, MA,
Brother-in-law: Richard Chase and his wife Alane of Egan, MN,
5 Grandchildren: Katherine Stuck of Christiansburg, VA, Audrey Stuck of Boston, MA,
Robert, Linda and Stephen Chase of New Mexico. 1 Great Grandson: Dyllyn Chase of NM
3 nephews, 8 nieces
A Memorial Service will be Monday, Oct. 12th at 2 PM at the Hampstead Congregational Church in Hampstead.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Oct. 11th from 3-5 PM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH.
Donations in lieu of flowers to: Hampstead Congregational Church, 61 Main St., Hampstead, NH 03841, the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 or online at www.peointernational.org, or the American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Dr, Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110.