Lois Virginia Salisbury, born Lois Virginia Bray, 85 years young, of Wickford, Rhode Island passed on Monday, May 15, 2017. Surrounded with lots of love by many of her children and grandchildren. She was the wife of the late Lester Lewis Salisbury.

Lois was born to Wesley Chase Bray Senior and Mary Emery on March 8, 1932 in Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island. Lois leaves behind a large and loving family: Her brother, Wesley Chase Bray Jr. (Mary) of Georgia, her children: Christie L. Seymour (Fred) of Exeter, Wendy B. Olsen of North Kingstown, Elise G. Guise (Layne-Sweetie Pie) of Big Bear City, CA, Bruce E. Olsen (Victoria) of North Kingstown, Thomas E. Salisbury of Washington, James D. Salisbury (Mary) of North Kingstown, William L. (Billy) Salisbury of North Kingstown, Donald E. Salisbury (Debbie) of Wickford, Lee A.Trainer (Brent) of North Kingstown, and Jeffery R. Salisbury (Jane) of Warwick, RI.

Lois was blessed and loved by her 10 children, 23 grandchildren, 35 great grand children, with two more on the way. Cousin, Donald E. Benson of South Africa, and two nephews, Mark D. Bray and Yale W. Bray (Karen), both of South Carolina.

Lois grew up in Wickford, RI and lived here most of her life. Lois grew up on a farm, which was located on Post Road near to where the Newport Creamery Plaza is to date, where she loved to go to have her hotdog and chocolate ice cream. She went to North Kingstown High School and was a NKHS cheerleader. She was always proud of that, and until 5-8 years ago, she could still do her cheerleading kick up above her head. She loved to cook. Baking pies was her specialty, always being requested, and a favorite of anyone partaking.

Lois's work history started in high school working for Schartner Farms. She was also a lifeguard in high school. She was a very strong swimmer and very proud of her accomplishment of swimming from North Kingstown Town Beach to Jamestown, and back! Something she spoke of often. She became a telephone operator, worked at Bostitch Staples, was a kindergarten teacher at Quidnessett Baptist Church, a Girl Scout leader for her daughters troops, and a Sunday School Teacher. Always loving and having anything to do with children whenever possible. She worked as the assistant tax assessor at the North Kingstown Town Hall, and an operations manager at Honda Center in Warwick. Lois moved on to being an ambulance driver and EMT for the Town of North Kingstown, a job she loved due to helping others and her love of driving and speed, pretending to be Mario Andretti. She always wanted to be a race car driver. Her final job was working at Rhode Island Hospital doing medical records. After her retirement, she also took any opportunity to "chauffeur" anyone who needed a ride anywhere! Her generosity was never-ending...

After retiring, Lois loved traveling and being with her children, grandchildren, and great children. She always loved children and playing with them. She couldn't get enough of the young at heart and it showed in her playful personality. She truly was a child at heart. Her travels included Ireland, Scotland, Morocco, Hawaii, California, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and numerous other places.

Lois loved New England and probably has driven every road in RI. She would just drive and drive. Going on any back road to see where it went and what was there. Even to this day she could tell you where to turn and how to get there from any back road. Her memory of the roads and beauty of RI was flawless.

For the past two years of her life she would spend her days going to South Kingstown Adult Day Care. She loved going there and being around people. She loved doing puzzles and they had a table just for her and her puzzle. Lois loved doing word search books. You would never find her without one. The great grand children loved joining in and helping her find the words. It helped keep her mind young.

She was very appreciative of her children's loving care and help during the last 3 years.

Lois was a devout Christian at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Attending the Narragansett Ward for over 47 years and being the eldest woman in the church. She held many positions in the church and was loved by all. Actively involved with many church performances, doing skits and plays. Lois was always the life of the party. No one can think or speak of Lois without a smile on their face, glowing with memories and thoughts of her. Always giving a helping hand to anyone who needed anything. She was a disciple of the Lord. Always serving the Lord and having very strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When anyone ever approached her or would ask how she was doing, she would always respond with, "I'm doing fine for an Old Goat!" But she was truly a lamb of Christ.

Services for Lois will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1240 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02874 on Saturday, May 27th, 2017 at 11:00am. Burial to follow at Elm Grove Cemetery on Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to go to Hasbro Childrens Hospital in her memory, for her love of children and helping others.
Please put Lois Salisbury in memo:

Hasbro Children's Hospital
P.O. Box H
Providence, RI 02901-9979

Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD.

 

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