On the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023, Lois B. Dann peacefully left the struggles of this world behind- to surely be joyfully welcomed into heaven.
Lois was born on June 17, 1934, in Maryland, N.Y., to Reverend Gerald and Mrs. Josephine Boyce. She was the first-born of three daughters – a role she would fulfill beautifully throughout her life, as her sisters would attest.
Being a minister’s family, they moved several times within the state as the girls were growing up. Some of the church locations were: Rochester, Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Hopkinton and Syracuse. Lois graduated from high school in Patchogue, as salutatorian of her class. She went on to SUNY Cortland where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Eventually she completed her master’s degree there, as well as a School Administration Certification.
Most of her teaching career was spent at State Street Elementary in Skaneateles, teaching grade 4. She also spent time in the role of assistant principal of the middle school there. She loved her profession, and those special memories stayed with her longer than others, speaking of ‘the kids’ often- decades after she retired. She was well respected by all she worked with, and kindly shared her wisdom mentoring teachers newer to the school.
The cornerstones of Lois’ life were faith, family, education and music. She was a very active church member her entire life. She had a beautiful voice and was a choir member at each church she attended. She was also active in many committees, women’s circles, book and bible studies, etc., sometimes as chairperson or leader. For many years she worked at the annual Skaneateles United Methodist Antique Show, at least one year serving as chairperson. She also volunteered with Laker Limo, Meals on Wheels and the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. She was a member of Travel Club and a member of the Singing Seniors of Skaneateles. She was a very loving and involved grandmother, taking part in raising both of her granddaughters.
In 1985 (at church!) Lois met and married the love of her life, Duane R. Dann. This was the beginning of a well-deserved, happy, and full “second chapter” of life for her. They enjoyed traveling, which included two trips across the country, stopping for many interesting adventures along the way – making memories of a lifetime. Church continued to be a big part of their lives. Lois even took on the role of pastor’s wife for a time (and choir member of course) when Duane was called to be the pastor of the UMC in New Hope.
Other activities they enjoyed together were attending Syracuse Symphony concerts, plays at the Merry Go Round Playhouse, trips to the Adirondacks, visits to family members around the country (including California and Hawaii), summer trips to the family camp on the St. Lawrence River and the annual Dann Family reunion. They were also active members of the Seniors of Skaneateles and the Seniors of Niles groups.
In addition to her parents, Lois was pre-deceased by one of her sisters, Constance Waterbury of Latham, N.Y.
Lois is survived by: husband: Duane R. Dann; children: Gerald E. Goodrich (Denise) of Camillus; Carolyn S. Goodrich of Skaneateles Falls; sister: Katharine Phillippi (Ken) of Petaluma, CA; step-children: Richard Dann (Dawn), of Syracuse; Christopher (Gigi) Dann, of Gainesville, VA; Jonathan Dann (Anna), of Dayton, OH; grandchildren: Melissa (Michael) Folino of Fairport, N.Y.; Lauren (Lawrence) Poole of North Syracuse; step-grandchildren: Ricky Dann; Nicole Dann; Olivia Dann; Iliana Dann; nieces: Sandra (Richard) Chevrette of Troy, N.Y.; Laurie Hallowell of Camillus; Meta (Jose) of Petaluma, CA; nephew: Edward Lanning (Jean) of Hillsville, VA; and her beloved grand-cat: Earl Gray Folino (who formerly lived with Lois and Duane and brought years of joy to their lives.)
Lois’ family would like to extend sincere thanks for the excellent, loving care provided to her at Finger Lakes Center for Living (Interlaken) in Auburn for the past several years and The Athenaeum of Skaneateles, where she was a resident for two years prior to FLCL.
Services where held on May 31.
If desired, donations in Lois’ name can be made to:
Skaneateles United Methodist Church, 26 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Or Midlakes/New Hope United Methodist Church, 3703 State Rt. 41A, Moravia, NY 13118.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
