Lois Querze Peebles' luminous presence was extinguished February 4, 2016 after a wonderful and rich life of 91 years. A proud daughter of Italian immigrants, Lois was a true citizen of New England – born and bred on Cape Cod and educated in the Boston area (Bridgewater Teachers College, Boston University for her Masters). She was a Connecticut resident for many years (the last 22 years in Greenwich, 18 in Stamford prior to that, 12 in Darien even earlier). Imbued with a deep love of music by her adored father, Dolfo, Lois became an aficionado of the arts -- classical music, opera, theater and regularly venturing up to Boston for the symphony or heading into New York for performances at the Met or a play on Broadway.
But education is where she made her greatest mark – a teacher for nearly half a century moving from school systems from MA to CT. The last 20 years of her teaching career were devoted to the public school children of Norwalk. No one worked harder. She left her creative and enthusiastic legacy on generations of kids who forever are blessed with the special loving and schooling of her touch. Teachers truly are forever.
Lois lived life with a passionate interest in learning and experiencing as much as she possibly could. She was the first to volunteer for travel to exciting locales, especially those infused with history and perhaps a bit of Italian culture, the first to read the morning New York Times, the first to want to discuss the latest novel (or classics from the past). Her inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge drove her to explore new experiences and gain wisdom … constantly. In addition to the great moments of any family's life, she would enthuse over simple pleasures – the brilliant sunset, a harbor busy with freighters and boats, the bright lights of the city, autumn foliage, panoramic views from mountain tops or a wind-streaked coastline.
Lois had a wonderful family and formerly was married to the late Robert W. Peebles – also of Cape Cod and former Superintendent of Schools in Stamford CT. Members of America's "Greatest Generation," they grew up together and like their cohort group stoically weathered the Great Depression, World War II and Cold War fears. They witnessed untold technological change while raising three children. Lois is survived by Katherine Gordon of Stamford CT, Scott Peebles of Montclair New Jersey and James Peebles, also of Stamford. In addition are her treasured grandchildren Max and Daniel Peebles who held her in much love and affection (Lolo to one, Nonna to the other). She will be sorely missed but her spirit will live forever.
A mass will be held for Lois at Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich MA on Saturday, February 13 at 11:00am (508-888-0209). She will be buried alongside her parents in St. Peters cemetery, also in Sandwich. A second memorial service will be held in CT at the Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Ave in Greenwich (203-869-9311) on Saturday April 23rd. In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate in Lois' memory to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County at P.O. Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897 or on line at www.visitingnurse.net. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com