Lois (Melville) McKenzie – 89, of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. She was the beloved wife of 67 years to Carlton L. McKenzie, Jr.
Born on May 1, 1930, in Newport, RI, she was the daughter of the late John T. and Edna (Howland) Melville.
Lois received her B.S. in Education at Bridgewater University. She was a retired office staff worker for the Minuteman Vocation School.
She has been a resident of Peabody for the last 6 years and formerly of North Reading for 56 years. Lois was a longtime member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading. She was a Camp Fire Leader and Sunday School teacher for years. She volunteered at the local food pantry, FISH program, and Christian Community Service.
Lois loved to spend time with her family and her best friend of 67 years, her husband Carl. Lois was deeply involved in her church and many community volunteer activities. She loved little children and was an advocate for educational, environmental and immigration issues. Lois played tennis, loved to hike, swim, sail, make crafts and bake.
Other family members include her loving children, Steven McKenzie of Dracut, Susan Bowden of Tyngsborough, Linda Mason of Colorado and Gail Kosmel of Slovakia, her brother John Melville of Florida, sisters, Janet Manter of NH and Marjorie Knight of Foxborough; 9 grandchildren, Danya, Meghan, Alyssa, Bryan, Rachel, Kristin, Daniel, Tim, and Sarah.
Due to Lois’ love of community the family requests that in lieu of flowers please order take out or wait for a small business to reopen and support our local economy. In memory of Lois please dedicate your meal/purchase to Lois and celebrate a life well lived. Family, friends, and strangers please stay safe. Graveside services will be private. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com