ROCHESTER - Lois Ann Wilson, 79, of Rochester, died peacefully on Aug. 8, 2023, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy and valiant battle against declining health. The life of Lois was marked by the love of God, family, friends, and a life of dedication to helping others. She had a generous spirit and a loving smile.
Lois was born on July 2, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pa., a daughter of the Rev. Wilbur L. Reid and Reba M. Reid. Lois was predeceased by a sister, Phyllis Jean Reid and stepson Bryan Wilson. Lois was a lifelong resident of the Meaderboro section of Rochester. Lois attended Rochester schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in the class of 1962 and attended the Deaconess School of Nursing in Boston.
After school Lois worked first in retail where she met the love of her life Charles Wilson. They were married and enjoyed 27 years together before the passing of Charles in 1993. Their marriage was highlighted by the birth of their daughter Heather and their son Aaron. Lois continued her professional career working in her parent's ceramic studio - Cherry Hill Studio - as a teacher, later traveling the eastern US as an instructor for Duncan ceramic products and then taking over ownership and operation of the studio where she formed lifelong friendships and bonds with hundreds of her students. She worked at Pain Care in Somersworth and later API in Portsmouth before retiring to enjoy family and ceramics.
Family, however, was the most important thing in her life. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Heather Soucy and son-in law James of Candia NH/York, ME, her son Aaron Wilson of Rochester, stepson Dennis Wilson and wife Deborah of Wakefield, her granddaughter Teagan Soucy and Fiance' Michael Cavanaugh of Newburyport, Mass., her granddaughter Sierra Soucy of Goffstown, and her grandson Isaiah Soucy of Manchester, stepgrandson Samuel Wilson and his wife Emily of Bowdoinham, Maine. Her brother Paul Reid of Bethlehem, Conn., and nephew Jeffrey Reid, wife Joy and son Owen of Northfield, Conn. Most cherished are her great granddaughter Olivia Flores and great grandson Wyatt Cavanaugh.
Lois attended the Meaderboro Community Church and the True Memorial Baptist Church where she was very active.