Lois Kimball Case lived her 84 years by the words printed in her high school yearbook: “Manners are the best way of doing things.” She embodied that belief every day of her life.
Lois was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1941, in Great Barrington — a true holiday gift to her parents, Henry Arthur Kimball and Grace Anderson Kimball. She was the beloved sister of Dennis, Kenneth and Henry Kimball. A proud graduate of Searles High School, Lois went on to attend Brown University.
In 1964, she met the love of her life, Richard Loomis Case, at a party in Boston. She remarked to a friend that night, “That is the man I am going to marry.” She was right. Lois and Dick shared nearly 60 years of marriage and a life full of love, laughter and community.
Together they made their home in Marblehead, moving (as many locals do) through a series of cherished neighborhoods — Mugford Street, High Street, Monroe Road, Shuman Road, Foster Street and finally Doaks Lane. It was in these homes that they raised their three children, Betsy, Rick and Alex.
During these years, Lois cultivated friendships and passions that brought her great joy. She loved playing bridge with close friends, and enjoyed tennis, paddle and golf. She was a proud member of the Eastern Yacht Club and Tedesco Country Club, but she held a special place in her heart for her work at The Marblehead Reporter, where she rediscovered her love of writing and sharing the stories of the townspeople she grew to adore.
Our mother was intelligent and dignified, with the most beautiful blue eyes — and she loved nothing more than a good coupon. She was an accomplished singer, dancer and pianist; a voracious reader; and a devoted fan of musicals and trivia. Some of her fondest memories were of her childhood at Briar Cliff Farm, Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park, where she developed a lifelong love of the racetrack — placing a modest wager and getting to know the colorful personalities who worked alongside her father in the thoroughbred racing business.
Lois and Dick felt deeply blessed by the loving spouses their children married — Billy, Daye and Holly — but the greatest loves of her life were her eight grandchildren: Grace, Will, Eliza, Tyler, Lauren, Trip, Mac and Raegan, as well as her great-grandson, Bowie. They, like many children in town, affectionately called her “Lolo,” a name she truly cherished.
Later in life, Lolo and Papa joyfully split more than 25 years between Marblehead and Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Florida. Her final months were spent at Sandhill Cove, and the family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff, aides and nurses at Waters Edge in Palm City for their compassionate care.
A celebration of Lois’ life will be held on Monday, July 6, at 11 a.m. at the Eastern Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars or the Abbott Public Library.
Finally, we hope you remember our mother and wife as an independent woman who was passionate about politics, good grammar and women’s rights. Lolo — your two favorite horses would want you to know: This isn’t your “Last Dance”, “Lois Cheer”.
