Lois Short, 94, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2021 with her daughters, kitties and friends by her side.
Lois was born on May 14, 1926 near Scranton, PA to Helen and George Cowperthwait. They moved to the area by the time she was five eventually graduating from Ballston Spa High School. After graduation, Lois attended Boston University receiving an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising.
After WWII, she met and married William Short, born in Ballston Spa. They lived in Washington DC while Bill finished his education. They returned to Ballston Spa, eventually building their forever home, which she cherished and where she spent her final days.
She worked at GE for several years before raising her two daughters. She then joined the Ballston Spa Central School district as a teaching assistant at the Wood Road School in the reading department where she worked until her retirement. Summers, Lois worked for Ballston recreation committee teaching the grades 3-5 arts and crafts class. She was also a 4H leader where her specialty was teaching sewing.
Later, Lois continued her pursuit of creative endeavors making decorative eggs, boxes, barrettes, and homemade cards for all occasions sending them to countless friends and relatives. Not long ago, she had a successful Treasure Keeper’s booth at a local church fair.
In recent years, she was a member of Saratoga Arts where she showed and sold her work Lois loved her pets which, over the years included dogs and cats as well as the kids’ hamsters, gerbils, and birds. Throughout the years, she had numerous cats find her home and her generous spirit, and with the help of others, find a permanent home. Besides the 4-legged friends, Lois was an avid gardener and nature lover. Her yard was a haven for insects, birds, and wildlife. Her flowers were a joy she shared with others.
Lois was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and husband, William. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Rogalskyj, husband Peter, grandchildren Nate, Sophie, and George; and Pam Short, husband Kevin Williams, grandchildren Zachary, Benjamin and Johnathan; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.
Lois treasured her friends throughout the years. She felt so blessed to have so many caring and kind people in her life.
Lois’ family would like to thank the many people who have touched mom’s life over the years, community hospice for their care, and the many friends and home caregivers who have made her wishes possible to stay in her home until she chose to join the angels. You know who you are and we are forever grateful to you.
A calling hour will be held from 10am to 11am on Tuesday, February 9 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A funeral service will follow at 11am. Burial will be in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Social distancing and facemasks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lois to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Woofs for Warriors, Inc. PO Box 2466, Glens Falls, NY 12801.