Beloved Lakewood Educator Lois McConnell Passes Away at 80

Beloved Lakewood Educator Lois McConnell Passes Away at 80

In our community, the passing of a beloved educator and devoted family member often stirs deep sentiments and reflections. Lois A. McConnell, aged 80, of Lakewood, passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2025. Known for her dedication to teaching and her vibrant spirit, Lois had left a significant mark on both her family and her students.

Born on August 1, 1945, in Port Allegany, PA, Lois was the daughter of George and Elsie Trott Sawyer. She pursued her education diligently, attaining her high school diploma from Bradford High School and later studying English at Roberts Wesleyan University. Her passion for education led her to become an English teacher for 31 years at Falconer Central School, where she inspired countless students until her retirement.

Community Contributions

A proud member of the Fluvanna Community Church, Lois nurtured her faith and remained active in community service. Her winters were often spent in Claremont, Florida, engaging in leisurely activities like cruising, playing cards, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Lois was particularly proud of her children, Sherri Goodwill and Todd McConnell, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Lois’s passing is not just a loss to her family but to the entire community that cherished her presence. She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald McConnell, whom she married on June 18, 1966, along with siblings Tom Sawyer, Edward Sawyer, and Kathy Dublinski. She has also been preceded in death by her sister Judith Sawyer and two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Jack Goodwill.

Honoring Her Memory

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Lind Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM, and an hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at 1 PM, which will also take place at the funeral home. Following the service, Lois will be buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Choose Life, a testament to her giving spirit and dedication to community support. Her legacy of kindness will surely live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

As we reflect on her life, it’s essential to remember how different cultures handle farewells and commemorate their loved ones. For instance, as noted on Planet Wissen, traditions vary widely—from the pre-Christian air burials in Eastern Iran to the Viking practices of sending the deceased out to sea on boats. Each culture carries unique ways of honoring life through their funeral and burial customs, making Lois’s own burial not only a personal farewell but also a part of a larger tapestry of human traditions surrounding death and remembrance.

Whether through Earth burials, as favored in Islamic and Jewish communities, or through cremation, as accepted in many Christian traditions, the way we honor the departed has significant cultural implications. In fact, advancements in modern funerary practices, such as the option for water-soluble urns for sea burials, are increasingly becoming popular choices among families today.

Lois A. McConnell’s life, much like these traditions, reflects a blend of personal and cultural significance, intertwining her legacy with the values and practices that bind our community together.