Lois Doyle Moran

Lois was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Clement A and Lillian M Doyle. She met her husband, James Patrick Moran, in Lockport, NY and they married in August, 1958. She had a Bachelor Degree from State University of New York (SUNY) in Education. After moving from western New York to Buckannon, WV with their two small daughters, Lois taught coal miners how to read at a class offered by West Virginia Wesleyan. She mentioned this was one of her proudest teaching moments. Eventually, the Morans moved to St. Clairsville, Ohio, across the river from Wheeling, WV where Lois was an art teacher for 34 years in the Ohio County WV school system, teaching all types of crafts - painting, sewing and pottery. One of her favorite classes was teaching calligraphy. A former student mentioned Lois had a quiet way of guiding when she taught.

Upon retirement in 1989, Pat and Lois moved from eastern Ohio to Wilmington, NC to enjoy the ocean breezes. Even though she was officially retired, Lois never really stopped teaching, in that subtle way, and never had idle hands. She may have been sewing felt animals or bringing teddy bears to life, making fabric rope baskets, bakers clay ornaments, practicing calligraphy or reteaching herself watercolor painting. She was a wonderful caregiver to her husband as he battled dementia for the last 14 years of his life.

Lois was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, J. Patrick Moran and her son in law, Jack McDuffie.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kate (Ted) Eberle of Holly Springs, NC and Bridget McDuffie of Wilmington, NC. Her grandsons, Patrick Devore of Den Bosch, Netherlands, Quinn, Eric & Matthew Eberle of Holly Springs, NC. Granddaughters Christy (Brett) Thomas, Asheboro, NC; Holly (Mike) Shaw, Raleigh, NC, great grandchildren, Tayler (Nick) Monroe, Harrison (Caitlin) Shaw, Mary Bryant Shaw, Bailey Thomas and great-great-grandson, Owen Monroe.

A private ceremony for Lois will be held at the family’s convenience at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401.