Lois Ziegler Waldrop Gilbert died June 5, 2025, at Brightview Avondell in Bel Air, Maryland.
Lois was born on January 8, 1931, in Greenville, NC to the late John Herbert and Lois Ziegler Waldrop. She attended Peace College in Raleigh, NC as a junior and senior in high school. Lois graduated from Duke University in 1953. She was a proud member of the Methodist Church in Havre de Grace, Md. She served her church in many ways by singing in the choir, serving on the administrative board, and as Secretary of Spiritual Life. Additionally, she was a member of the Methodist Women's circle and wrote for the Methodist Visitor, the monthly newsletter for many years.
Through the years Lois engaged with her local Harford County Maryland community as a member of the Evergreen Garden club. She served on the board of the Locke House Museum and participated in one of her favorite hobbies… writing with the Harford County writers' group. Lois published three books through a private publishing agency, highlighting her life experiences and true love of family. She and her friend Shirly Graves opened and ran "The Cannery" antique shop on her and her late husband Joe's farm on Webster Road outside of Havre de Grace, Md. The Halloween and Christmas parties Lois and Joe hosted were truly memorable.
Lois always said her most important role was that of wife to Joe and mother to Joseph Herbert "Skip", Randy, Mary Ann, Raine and Lois. She is the proud grandmother to Christina [Greg Koslowski], Daniel [Erin Gilbert], the late Cindy Williams, Grace [Eric Smith], Kevin Gilbert, Cory [Maddy Gilbert], Jimmy McNeely, Mathew McNeely, Will and [Laura Kathryn Archer], Graham Archer, Hannah[ Emmert Schamberg], Katy[ Derick Williams], Joseph [Arlet Gilbert], Stella and Graylyn Pearcy and Great grandmother to Izzabella and Della Pearl Koslowski, Mya and Emmerson Gilbert, Lilah, Henry and Asher Merchlinski, Piper and Walker Williams, Luca Gilbert and Margot Schamberg.
Lois survived by her younger sister Grayson Reville of Greenville, NC and an extended Waldrop family of over 300 members.
Lois would always say, "Life, Squeeze it Dry!" She adored her friends and family and wanted everyone to be happy and know they were loved.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Havre de Grace Methodist Church. We will gather in the social hall to reminisce after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Avondale Employee Appreciation Fund, in honor of Lois W Gilbert. Please Mail to Brightview Avondell 128 W Ring Factory Road, Bel Air, MD 2014. She also supported the Boys and Girls Clubs in Harford county. www.bgcharfordcecil.org
Arrangements by Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., in Havre de Grace, MD.