Lois Moore, 92, of Ledyard, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2020 at W. W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. Lois was born in Everton, Missouri to Turrell William and Bessie (Means) Waggoner. In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband, William (Bill) Moore; sisters Mavis McAvoy, Francis Roelke, Mary Kreisvelt, Joan Gibson, and brothers; Jack, Samuel and William Waggoner.
Lois grew up on the family farm in “the Ozarks” of MO where she worked the fields alongside her father and siblings. Her mother, she said, “was the greatest woman I ever met.” A midwife, who raised eight children until her death at the age of 49. After graduating from high school in 1946, she followed her older sisters to Washington D.C. for work and where she met her beloved Bill at a friend’s dinner party. Bill was serving in the US Navy at the time. Six months later, they were married on November 3, 1950, at the Western Presbyterian Church in D.C.
Lois and Bill eventually settled in Ledyard, CT. They were lifelong and active members of the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry. Lois attended Mitchell College, in New London, CT, where she enjoyed writing short stories for the School newspaper. She was an avid reader and was always surrounded by her books. She said that, “her books were part of who she was.” She enjoyed painting and sewing; however, working in her yard was her refuge. Lois loved to “walk the yard,” as she took great pride in having a beautiful front yard.
In July of 1974, Lois and Bill opened their first restaurant, The Little Whaler, in North Stonington, CT. In 1982 they purchased a small farm in Franklin, CT. With a dream and hard work, they renovated the two hundred year old farmhouse and established the 1784 Inn of Franklin. While Bill was the chef, Lois managed the bookkeeping and made all of the homemade desserts and pies. Lois was well known for her signature chocolate pecan pie and whiskey bread pudding.
Lois was the heart and rock of her family. She and Bill loved to cook together, celebrate the holidays and family birthdays. If you met Lois, you made a friend, and left with a hug. She was an animal lover and always made sure her Bill had a dog by his side. Her pets gave her comfort in the later years, but she always looked forward to a visit from Harrah, her grandson Bill’s dog.
Lois is survived by her two daughters, Karen Higgins (T.C. Higgins) of Montville, CT and Dawn Moore (Jay Summers) of Gallatin, TN; five grandchildren, Ronald Licciardi, Jr. (Karen) of Norwich, CT, William Wade Licciardi, of Uncasville, CT, Nina Benjamin (Ronnie Barnes) of Norwich, CT, Bethany Licciardi (Chris Holshouser) of Midlothian, VA, Elizabeth Peysakhov of Brooklyn, NY; four great grandchildren, Gregory Benjamin, Private Christian Benjamin (Patrice Adrieene), Matthew Benjamin, and Donovan Holshouser; and one great-great grandchild, Aerynn Bliss Benjamin. She also leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews and friends who loved her dearly.
The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to the many people and organizations who provided loving care to our mother over the years. Abby, mom’s long-time caregiver from Companions and Homemakers; the staff, nurses and aides from Apple Rehab (Orchard Grove), especially Kathy who made it possible for the family to have virtual visits during the Covid-19 Pandemic; the doctors, nurses, compassion & care staff and clergy at W.W. Backus Hospital; Pastor Tom Bentum, Ginny Beal, Olga Frye and The United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to mom’s wonderful neighbors on Long Pond, especially Dana and Cindy Vigue for their many selfless acts of kindness to mom and dad over the years. Due to Covid-19, a private graveside service was held in Avery-Stoddard Cemetery in Ledyard. A memorial service will take place at a later date in 2021.
Donations:
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry or Where Angels Play Foundation www.whereangelsplayfoundation.org.
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