Lois L. Turrell

Lois Lillian Litfin Turrell of Stonington, formerly of Old Lyme, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the grand old age of 93.

Guided by her faith, leading with love and service, our dear Lois was born on July 15, 1932, to Robert and Emma Bansleben Litfin. She was predeceased by her brother Sonny, her parents, sister Ruth Schmidt (2015), her beloved husband of 57 years Raymond Turrell, Jr. (2012), and son Robert Turrell (1987).

She is survived by three daughters Carrie Callahan of Bath, ME, EmmaLee Goddiess and her husband James Goddiess Jr. of Stonington, CT, and Allison Turrell and her husband Lyman Hardy III of Austin, TX; three grandchildren William Turrell and his wife Danielle, Rachelle Zito and her husband Brian, and Bethany Goddiess and her husband Andrew Glazzard; five great grandchildren, and her dearest friend of eighty-plus years Edith Sherman of Milford, CT.

A graduate of Post Junior College, Lois worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for the Waterbury manufacturing company Uniroyal, even coordinating fuel cell production for airplanes. She modeled for a local dress designer. After marrying in 1955, she served as officer and accountant of Professional Opticians and was a fifty-year member of The Order of the Eastern Star of New London, serving as Worthy Matron. She supported her husband Ray’s political career from canvassing to speech writing to hosting political fundraisers.

Lois had a natural talent as a competitive square dancer, swimmer, seamstress, gardener, baker, home decorator, and crafter. As a child, she assisted her mechanically gifted father, learning how to build. She pursued many creative arts like quilting and stained glass. Her lifelong favorites were cross-stitch, knitting, and crocheting. Her famous recipe for Imperial Rice Pudding was published in the Eastern Star Cookbook (1972).

Growing up in the country in Middlebury, CT, the woods were her playground. She swam in the brook behind her house and climbed trees, hunting for lady slippers. She enjoyed camping, exploring country roads in the RV, tubbing the Housatonic River, waterskiing and skinny dipping. She regularly encouraged her children to “Go outside and get some fresh air!”  

A natural athlete and tall, she learned to ride a horse in her late fifties after she and Ray started the Litchfield Christmas Tree Farm in upstate New York. Together they planted and nurtured thousands of trees; her favorite, the fragrant Fraser Fir. She started a gift shop, foraging greenery for fresh wreaths, curating local handicrafts and ornaments from around the world. It gave her tremendous joy. In later years, she returned to Old Lyme, volunteering at The Nearly New Shop and working alongside her daughter EmmaLee at Le Gourmet Chef in Clinton. 

An unforgettable spirit, brimming with love and optimism, Lois lit up a room with her bright light and impeccable style. Her sharp wit, sense of humor, and playfulness was infectious. Her soul was nurtured by her strong faith, her close-knit family, the many friends she made along her journey, and the spiritually rich church home she found at North Stonington Congregational Church. She will be deeply missed, eternally loved, and cherished by those she’s touched.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00am on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Congregational Church of North Stonington, 89 Main Street, North Stonington, CT 06359. Burial is private at New North Cemetery in Woodbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lois’ memory to: Congregational Church of North Stonington , P.O. Box 66N, 89 Main Street, North Stonington, CT 06359 or via their website www.nostoucc.org.