Lois Duckworth
May 29, 1927 - April 17, 2019
Obituary
MADISON-Lois Mae Duckworth, age 91, passed away on April 17, 2019, at home after a long illness. Born on May 29, 1927, in Madison, Wis. to Wilfred F. and Enid Nelson. She grew up on Chandler Street and lived most of her life in Madison. Lois graduated from West High School and attended Groves-Bernhardt Secretarial School. After completing school, she worked for the State of Wisconsin for many years.
Lois married Alton “Toby” Duckworth on May 15, 1948 at Bethel Lutheran Church. They were married for 56 years. Together they raised a family and moved to Glendora, Calif. in 1961 and returned to Madison in 1967. Upon her return, Lois worked for CUNA, Inc. and her last position was as Director of Convention Services and she retired in 1985. She was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Middleton, Wis. Her interests included sewing, playing cards, interior decorating, reading romance novels, traveling and being a steadfast fan of the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. She had a quick smile and keen fashion sense. Some would say she was quite opinionated and she had been known to be referred to as a stubborn Swede.
Lois is survived by her daughters, Deborah (James) McCauley-Forrestal of Madison and Laura (Dan) Colletti of Middleton; her grandchildren, Matthew (Megan) McCauley, Sarah (Joe) Grant and Taylor (Vanna) Forrestal; and her great-grandchildren, Tristyn Richie, Vivien Matts, Ellie Forrestal and Evan McCauley. She is further survived by her former son-in-law and family, Birney (Peg) McCauley, Leah (John Karl) Jarzombek and Claire (Casey) McCauley. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Lewis (Uldine) and Leonard (Deanna) Duckworth; her sister-in-law, Delores (Carl) Schafer; many nieces and nephews; and friends, Katherine Pavlue and Isabel Dressel.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Marvin (Margaret) and Earl (Ethel) Nelson; sisters, Avys (Lee) Lemmerhirt and Janet (Harry) Topole; and sisters-in-law, Donna Duckworth and Elaine (David) Campfield.
A funeral service will be held at ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Visitation will be held at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
The family would like to thank Dr. Orest Kostelyna of Dean Clinic, SSM Hospice staff and The Waterford of Fitchburg Assisted Living Staff for all their wonderful care and kindness.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Sat Apr 27, 2019 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Service
Sat Apr 27, 2019 @ 10:30 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
No photos of Lois have been shared yet.
Memories
GB
Gail Baker
Other •
My beautiful Aunt Lois. You will be missed dearly. I will always remember your wonderful smile and laughter. Love Gail
EJ
Eugene-Pegg Johnson
Other •
She was a neat lady with a quick wit. I worked with her at CUNA.
BD
Bernice Day
Other •
Lois was a friend of my sister Lorraine Rasmussen and both were part of a group of friends who met at each other's homes for a sewing night. This all began in about 1948. I was the little sister who hung out and listened to the girls' gossip. Lois was so pretty and vivacious and always had a smile. She reminded me of the movie star June Allison. My condolences to the family. Bernice Day
SV
Sandra Vick
Other •
My condolences to you Deb and all your family. As a former ICU'er I remember her conversation and her smile. May your day of remembrance have lots of stories and laughter also. Sandy Vick
LH
Lucile Eckelberg Hemerley
Other •
The Duckworths were wonderful family friends as we grew up. We knew Alton had died but lost track of all since then. Since Lois' obit brought news to us about the family, we send our condolences to all of you. May God bless you.
Lucile Eckelberg Hemerley at Tomah
JQ
Joelllyn Quinn
Other •
Debi and Laura. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lois was a beautiful friend and I regret I wasn't more diligent in keeping in touch. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I share your sorrow.