1935 - 2026
Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, Lois was the daughter of the late Agnes Ursula (Haggerty) and John Francis Sullivan. She was raised in Winchester, where she enjoyed a close-knit upbringing surrounded by family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lois attended St. Mary’s for elementary school and later graduated from St. Charles High School in Woburn. From a young age, she developed a love of reading, a passion she carried throughout her life.
Following high school, Lois attended Lowell Teachers’ College, now UMass Lowell, where she studied elementary education. She began her teaching career in West Medford at the Gleason School, where she taught for eight years. She later pursued graduate studies at Tufts University, earning a Master’s in the Art of Teaching in 1960. After dedicating many years to raising her family, Lois returned to education as a substitute teacher in the Holliston Public Schools, where she served for more than two decades.
Lois’s relationship with her husband, Bill, began unexpectedly when he stopped by her family home to take her brother to the movies. When her brother wasn’t home, he invited Lois instead—marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with dancing, dinners, and long drives. They married in 1963 and built a life together centered on love and family. Their daughters, Mary and Sara, completed their family, and in 1972 they settled on Pinecrest Road in Holliston, where they created decades of cherished memories.
Lois was deeply devoted to her family. She took great pride in preparing homemade meals and desserts and maintained a beautiful garden admired by many. She found joy in nature, especially in flowers and watching birds.
Her Catholic faith was central to her life. Lois was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston, where she participated in the Arise prayer group, originally formed during Lent but continued for many years due to its meaningful impact. She also took part in the Denver Scripture Series, a three-year Bible study program, and dedicated time to teaching CCD to help guide the faith of younger generations.
A lifelong learner, Lois was actively involved in her community. She led a writer’s group at the Holliston Senior Center and participated in a book club at the Holliston Public Library, forming many lasting friendships along the way. In the 1980s, she co-founded a catering business, Cooks on Call, which became well known for events ranging from intimate dinners to large weddings. She was also a member of a women’s investment group known as the “Dough Girls.”
Lois and Bill shared a love of travel, exploring destinations across Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, and the South Pacific. Lois embraced each journey fully, learning phrases of local languages and documenting her experiences in travel journals she later shared with loved ones.
Her family and friends will remember her for her intelligence, warmth, sense of humor, and incredible cooking. She leaves behind a legacy of love and lasting memories—from Cape Cod summers and holiday traditions to special outings and a cherished family trip to Ireland in 2012.
Lois is survived by her two daughters, Mary Hosmer Fanucci and her husband Jerry of Lexington, and Sara Hosmer of Roslindale; her three grandchildren, Kristina, Ben, and Abigail Fanucci; her “bonus” daughter and son-in-law, Marsha Fanucci and Tom Wolf; and her brother, Timothy Sullivan of Queensbury, New York, along with his children and extended family. She was predeceased by her siblings William and Marcia Sullivan, her cousin Claire MacDonald, and her sister-in-law Mary Sullivan.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Donations in Lois’s memory may be made to the Holliston Senior Center, the Holliston Pantry Shelf, or Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston.
