Lois Elizabeth Williams

Lois Elizabeth Williams (nee Snyder), 82, died peacefully on June 19 at her cherished home in Elkton, MD. Lois was known as ‘Loie’ or ‘Mandy’ to her family and friends. Born to Kenneth Vincent Snyder and Anna Lois Coe Snyder, she grew up in Gradyville and Westtown PA and attended Henderson High School in West Chester, PA. As soon as she met the minimum age requirement of 20, she pursued her dream career as a TWA flight attendant. In the mid ‘60s, she moved her base to California where she married and raised her children, Colin and Julie, in the Bahia neighborhood of Novato. Marriage, children and company policy had required Lois to stop working, but following landmark discrimination cases and EEOC regulation changes, she returned to service with American Airlines in the early ‘80s. She and Julie eventually moved back East to be near her many siblings and extended family, and then Lois retired in 2001. Like many of her flying colleagues from the ‘60s, Lois was a pioneer in pursuing equality and fairness in the workplace.

Lois' career suited her well given her vibrant personality and passion for independence. She was intelligent, astute, funny, empathetic and caring. With a flair for the irreverent, and frequent attacks of mischievousness, she was an excellent storyteller. Lois regaled family and friends with stories full of history and humor, hardship and hijinks.

She remained a devoted, loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend to her very last day. Lois had a special relationship with her grandson Jack, on whom she doted. She made friends everywhere and charmed everyone -- with a nod, smile or some other warm gesture, a joke or kind word, her attention and positive regard. Her family and friends will miss her engaging spirit and remarkable restorative powers.

Lois had long standing and deep relationships with her cousin John Coe, niece Kathleen Kidder and neighbors Emily and Zack Helsel and Carrie Mascari. The family is grateful for the steadfast support and love that many provided in difficult times, but especially John, Kathy, Emily, Zack and Carrie.

Loie is survived by her daughter, Julie Anna Campbell, her grandson, Jack Vincent Campbell, and siblings Gerry Snyder Young, Emily Linton Martin, and Stephan Landis Snyder. She is preceded in her death by her beloved son, Colin Erikson Williams, siblings Elsie Ann Johnson and Kenneth Vincent Snyder Jr., and ex-spouse, Lysle Williams.