Lois Hebb of York, ME passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on October 12, 2024.  She was 94 years young.  Lois enjoyed writing about her life experiences, and the environment of her early upbringing, which was full of "freedom, caring, and nurturing." She reciprocated those ideals throughout her professional and personal life.

Lois was born in 1930 in Milton, MA, the daughter of the late Charles and Esther (Johnston) Whelpley.  Lois was sister to the late Charles D. Whelpley, and Sandra (Whelpley) Patmore of Cambridge MD.  She was a 1948 graduate of Milton High School, a very active student also deemed "most athletic" in her class.  Lois then went on to New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. During her training, Lois was requested at various sites and shifts due to her skills.  This included assisting Dr. Frank Leahy on Thyroidectomy operations and assisting Dr. Sydney Farber at Children's Hospital.  Here she cared for a young Leukemia patient, who hosted many visitors including Ted Williams.  The "Jimmy Fund" was soon launched to help him and others like him.  Lois also worked training shifts at the Mass General Emergency Room and Boston Lying-In Hospital Maternity Ward (later re-named Brigham and Women's Hospital).   In June 1951 she graduated with honors and was presented with the Badger Award for excellence in Nursing.

Lois then joined the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in Codman Square, Dorchester. Here she was assigned a "walking district" between Blue Hill Ave., Talbot Ave., and Dorchester Ave. in Mattapan and Dorchester.  Many of her patients were Jewish immigrants formerly held at WWII labor camps.  During this time, she attended night classes at Simmons University, attaining her graduate certificate of Public Health in 1953.  The same year, the American Red Cross hired her to successfully train the first volunteer nurse's aides ("Candy Stripers") at Milton Hospital.  Lois was named supervisor at the Canton Nursing Association (Visiting Nurses) in 1953 and held that position until she moved on to raise her family in 1955.

Lois took pride in her work as a nurse in the field and shared stories of her journey.  A significant memorable occasion was when she was proudly saluted to by General (soon to be President) Dwight Eisenhower.  Lois was between assignments on Blue Hill Ave. when an election parade was held there, led by a motorcade with the General.  Lois was in her VNA uniform, and it appeared to Eisenhower to be a military uniform.  He signaled for the motorcade to stop, left his vehicle, and asked "What unit are you in?".  Lois replied that it was her VNA uniform, to which Eisenhower replied how much respect he had for her profession, and he gave her a military salute.  Eisenhower's aides then handed Lois 2 tickets to that Saturday's election rally at Boston Garden. Lois took her boyfriend Neil Hebb to that rally on November 3, 1952.

Lois married Neil soon after his return from the Korean War, on November 4, 1955.  He was the love of her life, and they were inseparable.  This was when "Lolo" transitioned from her nursing career to raising her family.  It was also the time when more and more people learned of her signature boundless love for everyone and everything.  If ever there was a person who understood the true meaning of life, it was Lois.  Her love went beyond any conceivable depth; her soul was made of it. She was spiritual, faithful, generous, genuine, tough, funny, and affectionate. She openly loved everyone with abandon, and without ever expecting anything in return. Her entire purpose on earth was to give: her time, her good vibes, her unmatched listening ears, and her love. Any person reading this who knew her would agree on what an incredible privilege it was to have her on this earth for 94 years.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl and husband William Keyworth of Annapolis, MD, Jeffrey and wife Karen (Teixeira) of Hope, ME, Allen and wife Ellen (Yezukevich) of Canton, MA, and Julie and husband Don Goettler of York, ME. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeannine Hebb Haden, Casey Keyworth, Malcolm Hebb, and Courtlynn Goettler; and 2 great-grandchildren, Willamena and Wesley Haden; as well as countless loving friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Neil Hebb and her granddaughter, Angelica, who were always in her heart.

Burial will be held privately in Milton Cemetery with her beloved husband Neil.  A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be sent to www.cureSMA.org or to Salvation Army. To leave online condolences or for more information, please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com