Lois Ann Durning

Lois Ann (Bowker) Durning, age 84, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on March 12, 1941, she was the beloved daughter of the late Willard and Dorothy (Robertson) Bowker. Lois was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1958.

A proud, lifelong resident of South Walpole, she enjoyed interacting with and feeding the wildlife that visited her backyard. Deer, turkeys, cardinals, goldfinches and especially chipmunks, which would come running at the sound of her voice. A lifelong Boston sports fan, she loved watching the Patriots and the Bruins. She almost never missed a Red Sox game, especially if the dreaded Yankees were in town.

After her graduation, Lois made her home in South Walpole, where she took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. As her children grew, Lois found new purpose in the healthcare field, working as a healthcare aide. She started at Charlwell House in Norwood and later at Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill in Franklin, where she truly touched the lives of many residents. Lois retired in 2005, after many dedicated years of compassionate service to the residents at Forge Hill. In her retirement, she cherished escaping the cold New England winters by traveling to the Road Runner Travel Resort in Fort Pierce, Florida, with her partner Ron Trenouth, and basking in the sunshine she loved so much.

Throughout her life, Lois’s love for her friends and family was unwavering. In her later years, she embraced technology, quickly becoming a whizz with her tablet, engaging in heartfelt long-distance conversations every day with those she loved. When not on her tablet, Lois’ creative spirit shone brightest as she crafted beautiful diamond art (dot art), creating intricate pieces she proudly displayed or gifted to loved ones. Her artistic talents brought joy to everyone around her. The art work and tablet were quickly paused anytime Neil Diamond came to town. Lois’ enthusiasm was unstoppable, and she was always the first to buy tickets to his show. She attended countless shows, and sang along with every lyric, her voice filled with pure passion. She also eagerly sought out performances by Eagles tribute bands, relishing every note of the music she adored.

Most profoundly, Lois treasured her time with family. Becoming a grandmother brought her immense happiness, and she loved watching this new generation grow and flourish.

Loving mother of Steven S. Durning and his wife, Vandra, of South Walpole, James "Jay" Durning of South Walpole, Lori A. Brighton and her partner Mark Barry, of Plymouth, Scott M. Durning of Plainville, and Wayne M. Durning of Hayward, California.

Cherished grandmother of Kristie L. Durning of Lynn, Nicole M. Durning of South Walpole, Michael T. Durning of Lowell, Matthew P. Brighton of Whitman, and Nicholas B.Brighton of Plymouth.

Devoted partner of the late Ronald Trenouth.

Sister of the late Walter Pember.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Lois's Life Celebration on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, from 10:00am - 12:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

Lois’s family is inviting all family and friends to a gathering after the Celebration, to the Lafayette House restaurant in Foxboro.

At the request of Lois' family, her interment will take place privately at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lois' name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh, OR to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or by visiting https://www.cancer.org