Obituary of Lois St. Onge

Lois St. Onge, age 90, beloved wife of the late Robert St. Onge, passed peacefully from this world on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 18, 1924, she was the only daughter of Charles Melville Hunt and Martha Johnson Hunt. She dearly loved her only brother, Jay, eight years older, who passed away of polio at the age of 22. Growing up in Hempstead, New York, during the Depression, Lois was an adventurous tomboy who with her buddies climbed steeples, witnessed breadlines, and explored and "knew every inch of Hempstead." After marrying her high school sweetheart, Bob ("Saint") St. Onge, a graduate of West Point, Lois embraced the challenges and excitement of Army life, raising seven children in eighteen locations across three continents. West Point was home to them several times, and some of her fondest memories were of living in the Thayer Hotel, and of enjoying Bob's assignment as a coach of the Army football team. Lois loved her family above all else and kept them solidly anchored through two of Bob's deployments, one to the Philippines and Japan, the other to Vietnam. After twenty two years in the Army, Lois and Bob settled with their family in Trumbull, CT, where she resided for over 40 years. Lois and Bob's daughter, Susan, inspired their lifelong support of programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Lois created and ran a religious education program for children with special needs, which became a favorite family volunteer experience. Lois and Bob were also active volunteers and board members of the Kennedy Center, Inc. for many years. In addition to her family and volunteer responsibilities, Lois was hired by the Hitchcock Chair Company in the 1970s. She managed its first expansion store located in Wilton, CT. Her Army and family experience prepared her well to thrive in this role. Lois lived her life joyfully, guided and sustained by her Catholic faith. She was a beautiful mother, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Perhaps one of her granddaughters described her best: "She was a strong, determined, and loving woman who bore whatever life chose to send her way with a grace and strength that amazes…" In addition to her husband, Lois was recently predeceased by her cherished daughter, Susan. She is survived by six children, Robert J. St.Onge, Jr. and his wife Joan, Peter J. St.Onge and his wife Linda, Thomas H. St.Onge and his wife Susan, Timothy S. St.Onge and his wife Patricia, Nancy St.Onge and her partner Lissa Pendleton, Anne Foley and her husband Peter, her 17 grandchildren, Jennifer, Allison, Mary, Amy, Stephen, Sarah, Jason, Erin, Sean, Kiyomi, Shantelle, Clare, Kate, Matt, Chris, Mike and Tim, as well as 22 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to meet directly at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield on Monday, August 31, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. All are welcome to join the family for a gathering in the parish center immediately following. Private interment will be held at West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY, where Lois will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and daughter. In lieu of flowers, Lois's family would appreciate contributions to the Kennedy Center, 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611.