Lois Mary Bartee

Lois Mary Bartee (maiden name, Cole) left this earth for heaven on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Brookline at high noon. Outside her window the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Lois was born in Boston, on July 4, 1950, the daughter of the late Claude and Forestine Cole. As a patriotic “firecracker baby” she was a lifelong resident of Lexington, attending every Patriots’ Day parade except when prevented by illness. Memorial Days found her planting flowers at ancestral Shattuck and Blood graves in Woodlawn Cemetery, Pepperell. She attended Lexington Christian Academy, graduated from Middlesex Community College and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, summa cum laude. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society of the Community and Junior Colleges, Alpha Delta Omicron chapter. She worked as a professional aide in local schools. Her gentle manner as a caregiver endeared her to children and elder citizens alike. For a quarter of a century she was the nursery attendant at Trinity Covenant Church, Lexington. Her family greatly appreciates the care she took of her parents, especially her father during his last illness. Lois’ sense of style and love of beauty was reflected in knitting and crocheting, her lovely counted cross stitchery, and the magnificent blooms in her gardens. Fish and small marine animals thrived in her aquaria. Her intelligence and good humor especially shone when playing parlor games. She is survived by her son Christopher J. Bartee and his wife Laurie of Cambridge, daughter Katrina L. Bullock of Worcester and son Thomas Keagen J. Bartee of Lexington; three grandchildren: Madison and Melody Bartee, and Ashlyn Rush; her sisters Pamela J. Cole of New Bedford and Claudia K. Souther of Chesapeake, VA, many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be buried at the Lyman C. and P. Amelia Blood family plot on Saturday, February 6, 11:00 a.m. at the Woodlawn Cemetery, 40 Heald St., Pepperell. Lois appreciated all the many kindnesses of friends and family during these last few months. Special thanks goes out to Trinity Covenant Church members for their love and faithfulness and the CARE ONE of Brookline nursing home staff for their skilled care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of Lois’ favorite mission projects, Kisoboka Uganda, Inc., c/o Trinity Covenant Church, 7 Clematis Road, Lexington, MA 02421. These contributions will be used to purchase goats for Ugandan families.