Lois C. Fortier

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late George A. and Blanche (Hamel) Parent, she lived in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Sioux City, IA, before returning to New Bedford at age fourteen. She was a graduate of St. Anthony’s High School class of 1945 and, later, was employed as a secretary for the New Bedford Mental Health Clinic, the Massachusetts Defenders, and the New Bedford Standard-Times.

Lois loved to dance; she and Daniel could be seen at the old Lincoln Park Ballroom many a night in their youth. Lois was an active parishioner and member of the Women’s Guild at St. Mary’s Church of New Bedford. She loved to do crossword and jigsaw puzzles, bowl, walk at the beach, was an avid reader, and could knit a mean sweater in her day. Most of all she loved her family and will be greatly missed as she was cherished and loved during her lifetime.

She is survived by her children, Lee J. Fortier and his wife Michele DeMary of Fairhaven, Daniel R. Fortier and his wife Pamela of Harwich, and Jo-Ann M. Fortier and her husband Leon A. Modeste of Taos, NM; a grandchild, Margaux R. Fortier of Raynham; a sister, Jeanne Levasseur of Maynard, a sister-in-law, Agnes Parent of Acushnet; and several nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her siblings, Claire LaCoste of Fairhaven, Gerald Parent of IN, Annette Poitras of Acushnet, Roger Parent of Acushnet, Alfred Parent of WA, and Muriel Goyette of CT.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Carol, Samira, Jovina, Laura, and the entire Brandon Woods and New England Hospice staffs for their dedicated and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 or brightfocus.org/stopAD.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 9:00am from ROCK FUNERAL HOME, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Gabriel of The Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. For on-line tributes, www.rock-funeralhome.com