Lois Anne Follett was born on July 11th, 1935, in Nyack, New York, to Herbert Thomas and Estella C Brunjes.
She had two brothers, Donald and Kenneth, who both preceded her in death.
Lois attended the State University of New York, Teachers’ College at Oswego, NY, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She excelled and loved teaching kindergarten and inspired children to read as a reading specialist.
In 1958, while Lois was a teacher at Cato Meridian Central School, John (Jack) Anthony Follett, a young Naval officer was home on a two week leave and decided to return to his elementary school to visit his childhood stomping grounds. At the end of the day, Jack spotted Lois and asked her out on a date. After two dates, he returned to his duty as a nuclear specialist aboard the USS Rosevelt. Lois and Jack corresponded and fell in love during his deployment. While deployed, he investigated the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints and encouraged Lois to also learn more about the church. Ultimately, they were married on September 5th, 1959, and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1961. Jack passed away at the age of 46, leaving Lois to raise their five children. She is survived and treasured by her five children, Julie Shoopack, Sherrie Hunter, Russ, Chris, and Laura Hahn. She is also survived by twenty-six grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren.
In addition to leading her family, her passion was serving as a Ward Temple and Family History Consultant for The Church of Jesus Church Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which she did for many years in both Pennsylvania and Utah. She has submitted just under 150,000 names for temple work and taught many people how to use the Family Search tools.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Lois’s wishes with acts of service.
Lois was eighty-nine years old at her passing.
4 Comments
I am so glad I was able to know Lois. She was always so wonderful to us. Our love and condolences to her family.
Dear Julie, Sherrie, Rusty, Chris and Laura,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother. I have such fond memories of her while I was growing up in the Reading Ward. She always had a smile and kind word. She always showed AMAZING strength— especially when she lost your dad. I’m sure that reunion was one for the record books! 😊 My mom loved working in the family history library with her and always appreciated her dedication. I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Hold your memories close—they will she’ll get you through the tough times.
Dear Julie, Sherrie, Russ, Chris, and Laura,
Deepest condolences from my whole family–we were so blessed to know and love your mother. She was an elect lady who was as kind as she was strong. Your mom taught me so much about Jesus Christ when I was a teenager in her weekly seminary class. She loved us, she fed us, and she taught us the gospel by her words and example. I hope to see her again on the other side and give her a great big hug. Until then, I am comforted that she is surrounded by love and reunited with dear ones!
Lois was an understated modern day super hero. She was one of the strongest most independent women I’ve ever known. She raised a beautiful, faithful, and loving family and with her family history work she has saved countless lives on the other side. No doubt she is something of a celebrity among them now! Her legacy lives on in the lives of her children and family, She truly will be missed.
Memories & Condolences