Lois Hathaway Averell, 92, born in Randolph and a long time resident of Whitman, died unexpectedly Wednesday, April 29th. She was the devoted daughter of the late Merle L. and Mildred (Allen) Averell of Whitman and the sister of the late John Averell of Abington. She is survived by a sister in-law Pearle Averell of Abington, Eliza Newton of Mashpee and her beloved cats (Thomasina, Taro, Tasha and Takisha).
She was educated at Wheelock College in child psychology and Boston University in Elementary education and Speech and Hearing. She completed her thesis on “An analysis of the Relationships Between Articulation and Auditory Discrimination in Kindergarten Children” and her doctoral dissertation (in preparation) on “A Comprehensive Analysis of Neuro-Motor Speech Coordination and Articulatory Proficiency and Kindergarten Children”. She dedicated her life to her passion, working with children with hearing impairment. She was a school teacher in Wellesley and Boston and a speech pathologist at several organizations including Meeting Street School and the Children’s Hospital. She was an author of articles related to speech and hearing issues and held several awards including Who’s Who of American Women, Book of Honor, Community Leaders of America and International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, to name a few.
Ms. Averell was a long standing member of the 1st Baptist Church of Whitman and in keeping with the tradition of her mother, coordinated the flower arrangements for worship service and special occasions. She was a member and past president of the Whitman Garden Club and participated in many community events.
Friends are invited on Saturday, May 9th at 9:00am for calling hours and 10:00am for the funeral service in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Inc. Plymouth St (Rt 58 at the rotary circle), Whitman, MA., followed by a collation at the 1st Baptist Church of Whitman, 565 Washington St, Whitman, MA. Interment will be at Randolph Central Cemetery at a later date. In remembrance of Lois Averell, donations may be made to the Hearing Rehabilitation Foundation, 35 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02143.