Eloi Joel Bois

Eloi Joel Bois, 90
PORTLAND -- Eloi Joel Bois, 90, formerly of Falmouth, passed away on Thursday, March 10 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House following a brief illness.
Joel was born on May 8, 1920 in Winterville, one of 11 children, the son of Ovide and Sophie (Roy) Bois. Following his service in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army during World War II in France and Germany, and again after the war in the Philippines as editor of the Daily Pacifican, he moved to Palo Alto, Calif. where he worked for Dalmo Victor. In August 1953, he married Betty Kragelund of Portland. In 1954 they returned to Portland and then moved to Falmouth in 1955 where they lived until 2010. It was there that they brought up their three daughters.
Joel worked for 17 years for the March of Dimes (formerly the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis) as Executive Director for Maine, retiring in 1971. An enthusiastic member of Toastmasters, he spent much of his working life speaking to and inspiring volunteers. He was an avid gardener, whose beautiful rose gardens often caused passing drivers to stop and take pictures. He loved traveling and visited over 60 countries throughout the world by land, air and sea. A generous and talented man, Joel could turn his hand to most things, including clock making, woodworking, and antique restoration. He was a long-time member of the Falmouth post, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.
He is survived by his wife Betty; three daughters, Jo-Ellen B. Smith and her husband Gregory Smith of Issaquah, Wash., Suzette Bois and her husband John Schnell of South Portland and Carol-Anne Bois of London, England; and two granddaughters Fiona and Adrien Smith.
A memorial service will be held in May 2011 at the Maine Veteran's Cemetery in Augusta. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street Portland. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Joel's guestbook.
In lieu of flower, donations may be made in Joel's memory to:
March of Dimes
60 Gray Rd # 8
Falmouth, ME 04105
Jones, Rich & Hutchins
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
775-3763