Lois Bemis O’Connor

Lois Bemis O’Connor, age 77, of Mena, died Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mena.  She was born July 10, 1937 to Carleton and Iva May Nash Bemis in Ecorse, Michigan.

Lois was a voracious reader and had an endless curiosity about life and learning.  She learned to read very early in life, so in first grade when her peers were learning to read, Lois was allowed to take piano lessons.

Education was important to Lois and she furthered her learning after high school to achieve a BA in Education, which she used to teach physically handicapped children.  She then taught in public schools in Auburn Hills, MI for more than 13 years.

Only one thing could delay furthering her education, which is what happened when she met the love of her life, Dan O’Connor, early in January of 1965.   Lois said, “Yes,” and she became Mrs. Albert Daniel O’Connor April 10th that same year.  Her blended family had instantly grown from one child to four.

While settling in to this new family life, Lois was determined to finish her Master of Education Degree, which she completed in the next 20 months.

For the next several years, Lois was busy raising the children, was active in her church and teaching, but by the mid 70’s she decided to take her education to yet another level and began to take additional post-graduate classes, graduating with a Master of Library Science in 1978.

In 1985, Lois and her husband moved to Mena, Arkansas, seeking milder winters and a small town lifestyle. They built a home and became active in their church and the community.  Lois became employed by the Polk County Library; bringing great changes about for keeping up with the times.  She was also involved in Eastern Star, Rhododendron Society, Home Extension of Mena, and taught Sunday School for 50 years.

Lois had many creative handcraft hobbies. She was almost never seen by her family without her current “project in hand.”  Over the years she crocheted literally hundreds of stoma bibs for tracheotomy patients and knit colorful hats for children cancer patients.

Lois loved and was greatly loved by her family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Carleton Jr., and John Bemis.

Lois is survived by her husband, Albert Daniel O’Connor of Mena; two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and (Faye) O’Connor, of Holly, MI, and Jesse and (Karen) O’Connor, of Jackson, WY; daughter, Cindy and (Steve) O’Sha, of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Robert and (Virginia) Bemis, of Ashland, OH; sisters-in-law, Carol Bemis, of Owosso, MI, and Susan Bemis, of Southgate, MI; five grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral is Friday, April 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena with Reverend Lance Jones officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Mena.

Online Guestbook:  www.bowserffh.com

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