Lois Carolyn Wainscott Freeman (October 26, 1932 – April 15, 2025)

Obituary:

With heavy hearts, our family shares the passing of Lois Carolyn Wainscott Freeman on April 15, 2025, at the age of 92. She spent her final years in Florida with her son Donald and his wife Maria, who cared for her with love, devotion, and gentleness.

Lois was born on October 26, 1932, in Indiana to Beatrice Sheets Wainscott and Chester “Pony” Wainscott. She grew up on her grandparents’ farm, surrounded by music, animals, and a deep-rooted sense of family. Her father played the mandolin while Lois and others played piano, and every gathering was filled with music and laughter. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian—long before women were welcomed into the field—because of her deep love for animals, especially dogs.

She married Paul W. Freeman in 1950, and together they built a life that took them across the U.S. and abroad during Paul’s honorable service in the United States Army. Lois proudly took on the role of an honorary Army wife, supporting her husband and family through moves across the U.S. and to Würzburg, Germany. Lois especially loved the years they spent in Würzburg, Germany, living off base and immersing herself in the culture. Germany—and German Shepherds—always held a special place in her heart, as did a good sangria and time spent with loved ones.

Eventually settling in Florida, she worked in real estate and later at the YMCA, where she made lasting friendships and often spoke fondly of her surprise retirement party. She loved to write, whether journaling, creating poems, or crafting heartfelt letters. Her words reflected the warmth and wit we all cherished.

Lois was preceded in death by her son Richard Ward Freeman, her former husband Paul W. Freeman, her siblings Maxine (Charlie) Kasper, Beverly (Mike) Michaels, Wayne (Mary Jane) Wainscott, and her parents.

She is survived by her children Donald (Maria) Freeman, Donnie Freeman, and Paula (Tommy) McGee; grandchildren Andrew (Natasha) Freeman, April (Walter) Smith, Christy (Ben) Holliday, Kyle Plowden, Misty (Josh) Roth, Michael (Kristen) McGee, and Crystal (Tyler) Copeland; great-grandchildren Emily (Patrick), Jonathan, Savannah, William, Jaden, Skylar, Reylae, Grayson, Parker, Tyler, Jacob, Maggie, Julliann, Jocelyn, Cadence, Jace, and River; and great-great-grandchildren Kenneth and Kai. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lois lived with strength, humor, and heart. Her presence filled our lives with music, memories, and unconditional love. We will miss her deeply, carry her stories forward, and feel her spirit with us always.

We close with a poem she wrote in 1999—her own vision of paradise, and a place we know she’s found:

PARADISE
Green grass that covers land so vast,
A lake so deep for fish you’ll cast,
Wild horses roam the range so fast.
Soft shadows fall as dusk draws near,
Into the meadow comes the deer.
Tis love that keeps me in this place,
The quiet life, a slower pace,
Soft dew that almost looks like lace.
Log house that compliments the scene,
Lost paradise is found—serene.
Red apples ripe on orchard trees,
Sweet honey taken from the bees,
White clover reaches to your knees.
Spend time with me, I say to all,
Leave cares behind and come to call.
Your mind will soon be set to rest,
As birds you watch upon their nest,
You’ll know at last why I’m so blest.
— Lois C. Freeman, 1999

A celebration of life will be held in Florida with details to follow.