Lois was born August 4, 1929 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Edwin and Mildred Shafer. She attended Allentown High School, and then Moravian College where she graduated in 1951 with a degree in Science. Lois was Class President, President of the Bi-Chem-Zo (an honorary science club), member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, the Glee Club, and the Athletic Association Board. A lifelong swimmer, she was also a member of a ladies synchronized swimming team.
On June 4, 1952 Lois married Richard C. Smith, who had just graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Lois was a great military wife who moved many times to follow her husband as he rose in rank. While her husband was deployed the majority of most years, Lois raised their three sons, Brant, Phillip and Kerry. She moved many times, following her husband’s assignments. As a Navy wife she enjoyed living in places such as Hawaii, California, Virginia, and Rhode Island.
Lois and Richard ended up in Northern Virginia where she taught biology at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield for several years. She also sponsored the high school Medical Careers Club.
Lois was passionate about sewing and was an excellent seamstress. She made almost everything she ever wore including evening gowns, her wedding dress and veil. She also made it a habit to swim every chance she got. In her lifetime Lois would go on to win many swimming medals, including more than a dozen in the Senior Olympics when she was in her 70’s and 80’s.
Her husband passed away in 2010, just eight days shy of what would have been their 58th wedding anniversary.
She leaves behind her sons Brant (Mauriane), Phillip (Gina) and Kerry (Donna); her grandchildren Quentin, Louisa (Brayden), Nick, Tucker, Tim, Jack, Kate, Chris, Paul (Miranda); and her two great grandchildren Layla and Landon.
She will be inurned next to her late husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank during this time of great need.
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