Lois M. (Swanbeck) Hoar, 93 of Franklin MA, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 10, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph L. Hoar who passed away on April 7, 2017.
She was born on April 9, 1924, in Franklin MA, the beloved daughter of the late Carl F. and Georgette (Joyal) Swanbeck. She graduated from Franklin High School class of 1941 and attended Dean Academy in Franklin and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
As a young woman, Lois worked for the Rationing Board in the town of Franklin by day, while performing as the featured vocalist for Manny Silvia’s Orchestra at the Roseland Ballroom in Taunton, MA and the Lake Pearl Ballroom in Wrentham, MA. She was also an accomplished violinist, and was one of few women who played in the Franklin High School orchestra at the time. She was also part of the orchestra at Dean Academy.
She married the love of her life, Ralph, in May of 1947 with whom she spent nearly 70 years. Lois was a devoted wife and mother, raising her eight children in a home filled with love, laughter and music. She had a special song for each of her children, loving each of them in her own special way. Always singing, always smiling, sometimes dancing around the kitchen with a broom, Lois brought light and love to all who knew her.
After raising her children, she took up bowling and tennis, became a successful Avon “lady”, eventually returning to her love for performing as part of the Senior citizen’s entertainment group “The Irregulars”. They toured area nursing homes providing music and comedy for the residents for more than 20 years. She was also part of the choir of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin, sharing her deep, resonant alto voice for many years. As a member of the vocal group The Belles of St. Mary’s, she was the lead in their production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, playing up the part of Charlie Brown with the comedic assurance of the professional entertainer that she was at heart .
Lois is survived by her children Timothy Hoar and his wife Susan of Mendon MA; Christine Poirier and her husband Roger of Northbridge, MA; Margaret Flanagan and her husband Douglas of Plymouth MA; Kevin Hoar and his wife Mary of Franklin, MA; Cathleen Gabay and her husband, David of Saratoga Springs, NY; Rosemary Seaver of Franklin and her fiancé, James Piacentini of Plainville; Michael Logan and his wife Marlo of Franklin MA; and John Logan of Nantucket, MA; as well as 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Annette F. Swanbeck and brother Donald Swanbeck of Franklin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Friday, August 18th at 10AM at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin. Interment will be take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM in the Ginley Funeral Home, 131 Main St., Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to a charity of one’s choice.