Lois A. (Apgar) Dotter

Lois Jean Apgar Dotter

                February 9, 1928 – October 12, 2025

Lois, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 12, at her home in Weston, Massachusetts.  She was born in Freeville, New York, the daughter of William H. Apgar, Jr. and Beatrice Payne Apgar.  She was raised in Freeville, New York.

                Lois graduated from Dryden-Freeville Central School, class of 1945, with thirty-two classmates.  She was awarded the Insignia in music for the 1944 season, having been a trumpet player.  After graduation she enrolled in the Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing in Sayre, Pennsylvania where she graduated nursing school in September 1948 and met the love of her life.  Lois married Dr. Willard E.  May 5, 1950.  They welcomed their first daughter in May 1951 and second daughter in 1952.

                His position as an orthopedic surgeon took them to Great Falls, Montana where their third daughter was born in 1956.  Another opportunity knocked at Lahey Clinic in Boston, so Willard and Lois moved to Weston in 1957.  Their family was again blessed with two more daughters; the fourth in 1961 and the fifth in 1963.

                Mom was actively involved in her faith, her community and the lives of her girls.  She served as a Brownie Troop leader, Girl Scout leader, and cookie sales coordinator for all of us.  She started her involvement with our schools by first serving as lunchtime and playground monitor, field trip chaperones, and eventually a class mother for several of us.  For the class of 1970, she served from first grade through graduation.  She served as a deaconess for the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church for 10+ years.

                Lois called upon her nursing skills when she served the community at Red Cross blood drives and through the Visiting Nurse Association.

                Lois was preceded in death by her parents; William H. Apgar, Jr. and Beatrice Apgar; numerous aunts and uncles; her brother, Bill (William H. Apgar, Jr.); her sister-in-law Elaine Apgar; and her niece, Mary Elaine Apgar.

                Lois leaves behind her five daughters; Margaret Orlene (Tom Miller), Patricia Anne, Pamela Sue, Penelope Jean Walker, Polly Esther (Bob Meader).  At her time of death she had eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews and friends.

              A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 11am at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills.

                In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wellesley Hills First Congregational Church or to the charity of your choice.