Obituary of Lois Winifred Carlton

PEABODY – On a beautiful summer morning with bright sunshine, blue skies and singing birds, we lost a gracious, loving, one of a kind lady. Our sadness is lightened by wonderful, joyful memories of a lady with a heart so large, warm, kind, compassionate and full of laughter, happiness and goodness. Her outer beauty was matched only by her inner beauty. Lois Winifred Carlton of Peabody, and previously of Malden, passed away at home on June 22, 2017 at the age of 86, due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia with her daughter by her side. Lois was the wife and partner of Robert Munroe Carlton who passed away in December, 2009 after 56 years of marriage. She leaves behind her daughter Roberta and her husband John Russell of Peabody with whom she lived, her son Robert S. Carlton and his wife Susan of Maine, her son Philip A. Carlton of Colorado, her grandchildren Katherine Russell of California, Jacob Carlton of Maine and Nicholas Carlton of Montana, her sister Margaret King of Washington and her niece Deborah and husband Don Schlosser of Washington. Lois was the daughter of Herbert and Winnie (Snow) Reid and was born and raised in Chelsea, MA. Her mother was born in Newfoundland and her father’s family was from Newfoundland. Lois spent childhood summers in Newfoundland and was proud of her “Newfie” heritage. In 1953, Lois graduated from the Whidden Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Everett. As a Registered Nurse, she worked at the hospital in labor and maternity, as a visiting nurse for Everett Visiting Nurse Association, as an industrial nurse at Coldwater Seafood in Everett, in the substance abuse program at Somerville Hospital and was part of the startup team at Atlanticare Medical Center’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. In the 1970’s Lois was the head nurse at the original Charles Street Jail in Boston. Lois and Bob built their home in Malden in 1953. Their backyard was private and lush with many trees, terraced flower gardens and a waterfall and pool with fish. It was a sanctuary for birds and animals and the site of frequent parties, cookouts, volleyball games and just family enjoying the sunset. Lois spent many happy hours weeding and planting. Lois also used her backyard for a cause close to her heart when she became involved in the care of feral cats. She built outdoor shelters, provided food and water and assisted in humane trapping so the cats could be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. She also fostered and socialized several cats in her home. Lois was a lady ahead of her time recognizing the need to acknowledge and accept individuals for who they are. She chose to see the best in people and situations. We were so familiar with “Random Acts of Kindness”, long before it became popular. We observed Lois practice it as a normal part of her day as when paying the toll for the car behind her, bringing in a clothing for inmates to wear to a court date or weeding the garden at the bed and breakfast where she was staying. She opened her home to many in need, family and non-family members alike, be it a few days or many months. She conducted herself quietly, on the sidelines without bringing attention to herself. She taught us well, by the way she lived her life, quietly, appropriately and with respect and dignity. And for the right reasons, not for recognition, but because it was right. She was a powerful example for how to conduct oneself and to treat others. Lois was mischievous, full of fun and adventuresome. She loved hosting celebrations and theme parties that included costumes, pinatas, foot long submarine sandwiches, giant make your own sundae buffet, a belly dancer and tea parties. She even played “Vanna White” in a homemade version of Wheel of Fortune. She and Bob traveled extensively in this country and around the world including Japan, Thailand, Bonaire, Majorca and Portugal. Lois always ate the local cuisine and immersed herself in the local culture/customs. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary they traveled by rail across the Canadian Rockies. During their travels and at local functions/gatherings, Lois was known for her stylish but unusual outfits. She pulled it off beautifully. Later in life Bob and Lois enjoyed spending memorable times with their children and grandchildren in Maine and Colorado including heated games of Uno, singing, joking, reminiscing and just sitting on the dock or in front of a fire with a glass of port. Lois’ family invite friends to join them in celebrating the unique Lois, on Saturday, July 8 at 11:00 AM at Spinelli’s, 10 Newbury Street (Route 1 South), Peabody. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, it would please Lois for all of us to perform our own random acts of kindness. Donations in Lois’ memory may be made to Charles River Alleycats, PO Box 290759, Boston, MA 02129.