Lois Boinski Bahr

1948 - 2025

Lois Bahr of Easton passed away unexpectedly on August 2nd, surrounded by her loving family. She was 77.

Born in Easton on June 2, 1948, as the first child of Robert "Bob" and Betty Boinski (Bridges), Lois was raised in Neavitt, surrounded by her mother’s large and loving extended family. Her father, originally from Milwaukee, brought Midwestern flair to the Eastern Shore. He not only coached Pony League in St. Michaels but also introduced a young Harold Baines to White Sox owner Bill Veeck, helping launch Baines’s journey to becoming a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer. That same instinct to lift others up, to see and nurture greatness, was something Lois carried forward throughout her life.

A 1966 graduate of St. Michaels High School, Lois was a Rhodes Scholar and a member of Mensa. This was a testament to her extraordinary intelligence, curiosity, and drive. She went on to earn her nursing degree in 1969 from the MacQueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing, attending on a full merit scholarship.

Lois devoted more than 50 years to psychiatric nursing, known for her exceptional skill and a steady presence that others could always rely on. She served at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, Talbot County Department of Mental Health, Memorial Hospital at Easton, Dorchester General Hospital, Channel Marker, and For All Seasons. Her calming voice and quiet strength were often all it took to bring peace and serve as a guiding light in times of crisis.

To her colleagues, Lois made the impossible feel manageable and somehow made the difficult work fun. She brought calm to chaos, offering clarity, confidence, and a steady hand when others felt unsure.

Beyond her profession, Lois was a second mother to many, a steady hand and open heart to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. Her home was a sanctuary, her advice quietly profound, and her love freely given. Her passing marks not just the loss of a beloved woman but the end of an era defined by her warmth, wisdom, and wit.

Lois lived life with a flair that was uniquely her own. Her outfits were always over-the-top and matched perfectly, down to the smallest details only she would notice, or be able to pull off. She celebrated holidays with enthusiasm and love, making the best gingerbread cookies that we will never be able to replicate. She loved to play bingo and slots, and would always win because she was born lucky. She could glance at a patch of grass and find a four-leaf clover like it was waiting for her. She was also an incredible cook, effortlessly whipping up meals and snacks for anyone who showed up and quickly learned that Lois's kitchen was always open. As a preacher's wife, she was the perfect mix of sass and grace; supportive, spirited, and always true to herself. Her laughter, storytelling, and smile lit up every room.

Many are left learning how to navigate life without her spark, including her devoted husband of 44 years, the Reverend Frederick Bahr; her children, Robert Walker (Debbie) and Anne Short (Ben); her cherished grandchildren, Drew, Grant, and Garrett Walker, and Cameron and Cooper Short; her sisters Debbie Cahall (Tom, deceased) and Laurie Blumberh (Paul); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepson, Raymond Bahr, who was taken from us exactly six months before her.

A celebration of Lois' incredible life will be held on Monday, August 11th at 12:00 PM at Tilghman United Methodist Church. The family will receive visitors at the church from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A reception will follow at 1:30 PM at the VFW in Easton, affectionately known by Lois as "the V." She was a proud member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and would be honored to welcome friends and family there one last time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lois Boinski Bahr Nursing Scholarship at Chesapeake College, an award created to honor her legacy and support future generations of nurses. Contributions can be made online at www.chesapeake.edu/donate; please select "Lois Boinski Bahr Nursing Scholarship" when making your gift. The first award will be presented in the spring of 2026.