Lois Evankow

Lyme — Lois Hope Evankow passed away peacefully March 9, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born June 29, 1930, to Arthur and Grace Hansen.

In a serendipitous encounter on a blind date in the first week of August 1953, Lois met Sigmund Evankow. Their whirlwind courtship blossomed into a marriage Feb. 6, 1954. Sigmund passed away Oct. 22, 2010. They had six children: Marc (Linda, deceased), Steven, David (Abby), Paul, Lynn Freudenthal and Peter (Anthony). Lois was a devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart: Jenny Enmin (Brett), Marc Junior Evankow, Nicholas Evankow (Stephanie), Emma Brechlin (Tim), Annie Evankow (Emil), Ethan Evankow, Tommy Freudenthal, Cindy Freudenthal, Heidi Freudenthal-Jackson (Alexander), Chelsea Evankow, and Jacob Freudenthal (deceased); and four great-grandchildren, Cordson, Isla, Ozzie and Dio.

Throughout her life, Lois was deeply involved in her community. She dedicated herself to teaching Sunday school and participating in the junior circle at Flanders Baptist and Community Church. Her commitment to service extended to her involvement with Lyme Grange 147, where she held various positions over the years, culminating in her election as grand master in 2001. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious Gold Sheath Award in 2011, commemorating 50 years of service to the Grange. Lois was also an active member of the State and National Grange, the family activities committee, Nutmeg Pomona #16 and the Eastern Central Pomona Granges. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Hamburg Fair. An accomplished swim instructor at the Westbrook YMCA, Lois shared her passion for swimming with her family and countless others. She was an avid quilter and a lifetime member of the Clam Shell Quilt Guild, known for her generosity in gifting over 100 quilts to loved ones. Her annual trips with the Quilt Guild to Pennsylvania and Vermont were cherished highlights of her year. In addition to her love for quilting, Lois was a talented knitter, crafting hats for premature babies at local hospitals and creating garments for her loved ones. Her final years were spent finding solace in the rhythmic click of her knitting needles, creating hats and baby sweaters that brought comfort to many. A seasoned traveler, Lois embarked on adventures to tropical islands, toured Europe, and reveled in summers spent in Cape Cod, Block Island, and Vermont. In 2017, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by journeying to Alaska with her daughter Lynn, granddaughter Cindy and Lily Olpin. Animals held a special place in Lois’s heart, particularly her granddogs Colby, Sunny, Susie, Mia, Gunner and Quinn. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond humans, encompassing dogs, cats, and even alpacas.

A woman of strength and determination, Lois Evankow leaves behind a legacy of compassion and service. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.