- Date Of Birth: June 2, 1921
- Date Of Death: May 16, 2012
- State: Connecticut
Lois E. Owens, 90, of Northfield, CT, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Valerie manor, Torrington. She was the widow of Philip Despres and Richard Owens.
Lois was born on June 2, 1921 in Temple NH a daughter of the late Royal B. and Jennie (Austin) Edwards. Known to her Dad as “Dusenberry” and from an early age was very artistic. She was a graduate of the Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, NH, winning the downhill skiing championship in her senior year of high school. She moved to Connecticut in the early 1940’s with her first husband Philip. During that time they became foster parents and over the course of 15 years provided a home for many children. Lois was retired as a dental assistant from Southbury Training School.
Lois lived and helped run the farm at Brookside Home for 12 years. She also taught ceramics for over 40 years and also co-owned Flo Craft Ceramics Studio in Northfield, CT with her second husband, Richard. An avid Yankee fan, she also enjoyed playing the organ, harmonica and violin. Playing songs and singing with family and friends was one of her joys. Lois was a member of the Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers. She loved riding horses and spent time at McAllister’s Rolling M Ranch.
She leaves a son, John Despres and his wife Kathy (Kennelly) of Southbury, CT; a daughter, Jeannette (Despres) Purdy and her husband Brian of Winchester, CT; three sisters, Jennie Martha Foster, Mary Elizabeth Felt and Beverly Edwards; a brother, Royal A. Edwards; son-in-law Robert Armstrong of Bristol, CT; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Dianne Armstrong and her three brothers, John, Harold and Maurice Edwards.
