Lois A. (Zona) Martin

STOW – Lois A. (Zona) Martin, 65, a resident of Kingston for 39 years and more recently of Stow, died peacefully Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Concord Health Care Center.  Lois was born in Boston, the daughter of Alice M. Walsh and the late Pasquale “Pat” J. Zona.  She graduated from Braintree High School Class of ’64 and from UMass Amherst Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi Class of ’68.

She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Clifford D. Martin, formerly of Northborough; two sons, Keith D. Martin and his wife, Lisa, of Westborough, David P. Martin and his wife, Alison, of Hudson; three grandchildren, Kevin, Rachel and Trevor; mother, Alice M. Zona, of East Sandwich; sister, Jacqueline P. Coffman and her husband, Steve of Alexandria, VA; brother, Joseph J. Zona and his wife, Meredith, of Arlington; and aunt, Santa Zona, of Quincy.

Lois was first and foremost a loving, caring and devoted wife, Mom, and Grammy.  She cherished every moment she had with her grandchildren and planned to dedicate her retirement to spending time with them.  She was also an unofficial “Mom” to many as a SLRHS Marching Band parent.  Lois thoroughly enjoyed her trips stateside and to Europe, especially Southern France; camping trips to Point Sebago, ME; and favorite family getaway, Martha’s Vineyard.

Lois gave so much of herself to her family, friends, students and colleagues.  She taught mathematics in high school in El Paso, TX and at Bridgewater-Raynham; and in college for more than 30 years at Massasoit Community College.  In 2007 Lois became the first New Englander to be awarded the National AMATYC Teaching Excellence Award in mathematics at a community college.  In 2009 she was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Mathematics Educators.  In 2011 the NEMATYC Student Mathematics League Award was named after Lois.  Also in 2011, Lois received the Massachusetts Community College Council Lemieux Award, the highest award given for service, leadership and dedication contributing to the MCCC, public higher education and the labor movement.  Lois’ greatest reward is the spirit she has generated that will be carried on in all those fortunate enough to have known her.

A private family celebration will be held during apple blossom time at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor Lois by their presence between 2 – 6 PM on Saturday, February 11 at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.  For directions and/or condolences please visit www.westboroughfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lois Martin.  Please make checks payable to MGH, note Lois’ name and either Brain Cancer Research Fund or Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund, and mail to Massachusetts General Hospital, c/o Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.

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