Jan. 31, 1943 – Nov. 28, 2015
By
Lois Bennett Olcott, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Mount Pleasant, S.C., and South Bristol, passed away on Nov. 28 at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Lois was born Jan. 31, 1943 to Ann and Irving Bennett of West Hartford, Conn. She graduated from Hall High School, Burdett Jr. College, and held a teaching degree in correctional education from the University Without Walls, a cooperative venture in Providence, R.I.
She worked for the UN (1963-65); served in the 1965 Christian Ministry in the National Parks at Yellowstone; worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (1965-67); was an executive secretary at the Providence Biltmore Hotel (1967-69); taught at Modern PBX Business School (1969-75); was a job developer in Springfield, Mass. (1976-79); and was administrative secretary for the Western New England Law School Review (1980-83).
In 1983, Lois moved to Cleveland Heights with her family worked for Family Life Adult Education for the Cleveland Board of Education from which she retired. Working in adult education, Lois taught at Max Hays High School, the Cuyahoga County Jail, and numerous senior housing projects, and for nearly 10 years was a GED teacher at the Carl Stokes Multi Service Center in Cleveland.
Lois served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA, Springfield, Mass. and the Board of the Florence Crittenton Society of Greater Cleveland, Ohio.
Lois generously gave back, got involved, and cared about people. It was who she was; it was how she lived every day. It shaped her calling to teach the most at risk in society.
She was also involved in leading Girl Scouts, organizing career days, and volunteering in shelters, food programs, and literacy projects.
Lois taught others by her example, that caring for others is not just a calling but a way of life. Her example inspired others to seek non-profit focused careers. She gave back in immeasurable big ways and small ways. Please volunteer in her memory this year.
Lois is survived by her husband of 50 years, Rev. Thomas W. Olcott; daughter, Brenda Olcott; granddaughter, Meghan Olcott; great-granddaughter, Grace Kluttz; and sister, Barbara Ulrich.
Donations may be made in Lois Olcott’s memory to the MUSC College of Nursing: MUSC Foundation – College of Nursing Fund, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425, phone: (843) 792-2677.
A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at her home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio this spring and in South Bristol in July 2016.