As we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Lois A. McConnell, who passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 80, we reflect on a life well-lived. Lois was born on August 1, 1945, in Port Allegany, PA, to George and Elsie Trott Sawyer. A devoted educator, she spent 31 years teaching English at Falconer Central School before her well-deserved retirement. Her impact on her students and her community will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Lois was not just a teacher; she was a lifelong learner with a passion for the English language, having studied it at Roberts Wesleyan University. Her faith was central to her life, as she was a member of the Fluvanna Community Church, where she nurtured her spiritual journey. Lois found joy in the winter months spent in Claremont, Florida, where she indulged in cruises, card games, and cherished moments with family and friends.
Family and Legacy
Lois was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and her family was her greatest treasure. She is survived by her husband, Gerald McConnell, whom she married on June 18, 1966, along with their two children, Sherri Goodwill and Todd McConnell. Additionally, she leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Tom Sawyer, Edward Sawyer, and Kathy Dublinski. She was preceded in death by her sister Judith Sawyer and two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Jack Goodwill.
The community is invited to pay their respects to Lois during the visitation at Lind Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM and up to an hour before the service on Friday. The funeral will take place at 1 PM on Friday, with burial following at Sunset Hill Cemetery. For those wishing to honor Lois’s memory, donations may be made to Choose Life.
Reflections on Mourning and Burial Traditions
Understanding the customs surrounding death and mourning can provide comfort during times of loss. In many cultures, including those of Native Americans and Tibetans, unique burial practices reflect deep reverence for the deceased. For example, some Native American tribes traditionally buried their dead in hollow trees, while in Tibet, certain individuals were cast into rivers. Similarly, the Vikings honored their dead by sending them off on small boats into the sea.
Modern burial customs vary widely yet often emphasize respect and remembrance. In Jewish culture, graves are seen as “bet olam,” or homes for eternity, and care is taken to ensure they are not reused. In Islam, bodies are wrapped in white linen, symbolizing equality before Allah. As we commemorate Lois, it’s important to recognize these traditions and their significance in honoring those we have lost. For more insights into burial customs, visit Planet Wissen.
As we bid farewell to Lois A. McConnell, let us celebrate her life, her teachings, and the love she shared with all who knew her. For more information on her life and legacy, please visit The Post-Journal.