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Lois Van Deusen Obituary
She was a lifelong conservationist and outdoor enthusiast. Lois was a founder, honorary director and life member of the Avalonia Land Conservancy, to which she donated the 76.8 acre Tefftweald at Birchenturn Nature Preserve in North Stonington. She was a founder and past president of the Westbrook Garden Club, director and secretary of the Connecticut Botanical Society and past president of the Ledyard Public Health Nursing Board, Ledyard Historical Society, Ledyard Conservation Commission, and Sprague Camera Club. In 1986, she was designated a "hometown hero" by the Ledyard Town Council.
Lois was a horsewoman for 35 years and led many groups on nature walks, hikes and canoe outings. For years, she taught natural history through her nature photography. Her love of adventure took her to the pyramids of the Yucatan, the volcanoes of Hawaii, the glaciers and wild rivers of Canada and Alaska, the Swiss and French Alps, the Great Wall of China, the Canadian Rockies and all 50 states.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas F. Tefft; and their son, Thomas H. Tefft.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Van Deusen; her daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Daniel Arpin; four grandchildren, Timothy Tefft, Katherine Allingham, Rebecca Stephens and Jonathan Tefft; her great-grandchildren; and her dear friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avalonia Land Conservancy or the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut in memory of Lois.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Allingham home, 182 Old Jewett City Road, Preston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lois Van Deusen
Sponsored by Woyasz & Son Funeral Service - Norwich.
5 Entries
Rebecca Stephens
December 12, 2018
She was and still is the loveliest of women. My grandmother.
Joan "Gio" Iannotti
October 8, 2017
Aunt Lo, you were/are the most perfect example of a strong, talented, woman explorer I have ever known. You are a part of me and always will remain woven into my very being. Your adoring niece. Joanie
Jonathan Hadley
September 28, 2017
My condolences to Lauren and to all of Lois' family and friends. I had the great fortune to grow up in Ledyard, CT, just down the road from the Teffts. Lois always greeted me and my two sisters so lovingly. She called us "little people" which made me feel respected and grown up. One summer, Lauren was gone for a few days visiting relatives. Lois invited me and one of my sisters to go blueberrying with her on their expansive estate. She taught us how to find the ripest, plumpest most delicious blueberries. I remember her words to this day. Another day I decided to give myself a haircut. When my mother saw the horrific results, she marched me up to Mrs. Tefft, who got out her electric clippers and shaved all my hair off. Lesson learned! My parents and Mr. and Mrs. Tefft were members of the Ledyard Squares, a squaredancing group. Sometimes my two sisters and I would go and watch them dance. One night they were short one man, which meant an entire square of dancers could not dance that night. Lois graciously came over to me (I was probably only 6 or 7 at the time) and asked me to be her dancing partner. Of course I said yes. I was so thrilled and I think all eyes were on Lois and me that night.
Lois was a fascinating, wonderful woman who opened the eyes of a young boy to the world through her beautiful photo albums and her informative and fascinating stories about nature and travel. Thank you Lois for being so kind and so respectful.
September 26, 2017
Dear Lauren,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family during this difficult time.
I always thought the world of your mother, and now I am reminiscing about all the wonderful times that myself and my family, spent at your home back in the 1960's.
I loved visiting your: Atlasta Ranch so much! What a beautiful piece of property.
I especially loved how your mother use to let you and me go horseback riding on: Ducassa and Fino, after she and my mother, would return from their adventures.
Your mother cared so deeply about nature, in all aspects, and she did everything possible to preserve God's beautiful creation.
She is a beautiful angel in the Kingdom of Heaven now, and all of us will be reunited again someday.
Love, Diane L. Gray - Amburn
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September 24, 2017
Lauren,
Your mom was a GREAT lady. She worked for me off and on when I had my florist shop in the OMV. I enjoyed her company so much and she taught me so much about nature and wild flowers. We had so many great conversations.
You and I also worked together at NLF in Groton. I have been living in Greece for over 20 years, but still keep in touch with Charlie, our old boss. We spoke of you often and remember all the good times.
I remember your wedding at your moms place ......I will never forget her. May GOD comfort you at this time.
Love to you Lauren.
An old friend
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