Obituary of Lois Eileen Andrews

Brewer & Hampden - Lois E. (Clark) Andrews, 84, beloved wife of the late Arthur E. Andrews, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 21, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 18, 1938, the daughter of Harold and Mary (Farrell) Clark. She was raised by her Uncle Horace and Aunt Eva Clark when her mother passed away when she was only 6 weeks old.  She was very blessed to have two sets of parents who loved her so much. 

Lois grew up in Winterport where she excelled in school, loved playing basketball and attended Dirigo Girls State her junior year. She learned to play piano at a very young age and attended Arthur Murray’s School of Ballroom Dance traveling throughout Maine, winning several competitions. Her love of the piano continued throughout her life playing at several family parties while her children were growing up, nursing homes, special events and was honored when she was asked to be the pianist for the play “Bye Bye Birdie” for Brewer High School. Lois was never afraid to live life to the fullest no matter what adversities came her way. When she was at the young age of 39, her husband, Art, had a massive stroke resulting in total disability. At the time, she was raising four teenagers and working a full-time job. She took on the responsibility of lovingly caring for Art for 31 years. During those years, she made sure his every need was met, along with making sure he lived a happy and fulfilled life. She was never afraid to jump in the car and head off to their next destination, Florida, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee or the Red Sox. She always said “Art was the happiest when the wheels were turning” and so was she, never afraid of the responsibilities that came with travelling alone with a disabled husband. She was courageous and deemed Super Woman from many who knew her. There were many sacrifices made throughout the years but no one ever knew. Lois always had a smile for everyone and was ready for whatever the next day would bring; her devotion to her family was like no other. She was a true Angel on Earth. She was a great mom and raised her children with so much love. She very seldom missed a sporting or musical event throughout the years. When her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, they brought her so much love and happiness. Fun-filled days watching them grow, teaching them to cook, playing games, and making each other laugh. She was proud of each of them. Even though she was a busy mom and Mimi, she loved every minute. Her family was the light of her life right until the very end. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her, her precious dogs, Elsa, Anna and Tobey, too. Lois had a long and very fulfilling career at Eastern Fine Paper, Inc. for 42 years. She worked her way up to administrative assistant to several Vice Presidents. She was proud to be associated with such a prestigious company where elite grades of paper were produced and known throughout the United States and beyond. She was a master at typing and shorthand, and an eloquent letter writer. Her duties were numerous, including many creative advertising and promotional brochures; planned special events, meetings and luncheons, and was a well-respected liaison with customers, fellow employees and all who came in contact with her. She loved her years at Eastern and all the friends she made.

Lois is survived by her four children, Cyndi Wass and her husband, Reggie, of Hampden, Mark Andrews and Michael Andrews of Hampden, and Christine (Tina Andrews) Graham and her husband, Dave, of Hermon; her very special grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart, Nicole LeBarnes of Hampden, Kayla Wass of Nashville, TN, Kristina Andrews of Bangor, and Branden Wass of Hampden; and great-grandchildren Ian Thayer and Autumn Thayer of Brewer, Aubree LeBarnes of Hampden and Scott Andrews of Bangor; two sister-in-law’s Irene Clark, and Rosalie Gray and her husband, Edmund, and several very special nieces and nephews. Lois was predeceased by her parents and beloved siblings, David Clark and his wife, Patricia, Norman Clark, Harold (Junior) Clark and his wife, Joyce, Margaret (Clark) Sigler and her husband, Milo and several in-laws.

Friends and relatives may visit from 5 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer where a funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, January 27, 2023. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport in the spring. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Lois Andrews to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via jimmyfund.org/gift. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to those who cared for her at Ross Manor, especially to Mike who was ever so gentle with her; Beacon Hospice for their care as the end of her life drew near; and Yolana Martin from St. Joseph Homecare who came for home visits periodically over the last few years. “Dad has you in his loving arms now and it’s his turn to take care of you. Rest your beautiful weary soul, Mom. We will miss you and love you always and forever.”