Rock Hill, SC – Lois Juliet Harvie, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 16, 2023. A memorial service will be held at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, from 4:00 – 5:45 pm.
Lois was born on May 30, 1929 to Sarah Grout Day and William Lynde Day in Quincy, Massachusetts. She is survived by her two children, Raymond W. Harvie and Pamela T. Varraso, and her grandson, Nicholas K. Varraso. Lois led a life of excitement and achievement. At five years old, she auditioned to sing in the original Snow White film. At age 10, she joined the Wollaston Congregational Church choir as a senior member, kickstarting a lifelong love and commitment to singing. At age 15, Lois was asked to sing at a 1944 USO show in Boston. She graduated high school in 1947 and went on to earn a degree from Fisher Junior College in Boston. After graduating, she met her future husband through church fellowship in Quincy, MA and in 1951, Lois married Raymond E. Harvie, Jr.
In 1956, Lois and Raymond moved to Weymouth, MA. In 1966, Lois and her husband built their dream home next to their first house in Weymouth, where Lois lived until 2016, three years after her husband’s passing. During her years in Weymouth, Lois found her new home in faith by joining Union Congregational Church in the late 1950s, where she was an active member in the choir until 2016. In 2016, Lois moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, to be closer to her daughter’s family. Lois found a new home for her faith in Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, joining the congregation and choir in 2017 and was an active member until 2020.
Lois led an involved and fulfilling life in Weymouth. Over the course of a 60-year working career, she developed numerous long-standing relationships with her varied employers. She would often recant stories of her time at various jobs, sharing her memories with her family. She began her working career at the age of 14, during World War II, at the local Supreme Market in Quincy, MA. After college, Lois spent many years employed in the banking industry, working at such places as Boston Five Cents Savings Bank, East Weymouth Savings in Weymouth, MA, and Hibernia Bank in Braintree, MA. Her experience in banking allowed her to serve as a key member of the family business, South Shore Cash Register Company, where she managed the accounting and secretarial duties. While her earlier years were dedicated to banking and the family business, Lois ventured out into other areas of interest, becoming the office administrator for the IT department at Stop & Shop Headquarters in Braintree, MA. She excelled in this position and worked for Stop & Shop for over 15 years. After a brief period of retirement, Lois decided to rejoin the workforce and became the office administrator for Wilder Brothers Tire Pros, her best friend’s family business.
When Lois was not working, she enjoyed a thriving social life. What many would consider her most beloved commitment outside of family, Lois was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Joining the Order in her early 30s, she served this organization for over 60 years. During her tenure with Eastern Star, Lois held many ranks and served on numerous boards. Most notably, she enjoyed ranks of Worthy Matron, Ruth, and Grand Ruth, as well as several ambassadorships. She transferred her membership to the local Rock Hill Chapter upon moving to South Carolina, where she was still an active member until her passing. Her duties with Eastern Star kept her engaged with frequent social functions, which would include bringing her family along to celebrate with her.
Aside from Eastern Star, Lois spent time engaged with other clubs, including The Neighborhood Club, a local dance club, Briarwood Trails Neighborhood Association, and VFW Post 1399, which she joined as the wife of a service member. When Lois was not participating in these clubs, she would spend her time knitting and gardening, two of her favorite pastimes. Lois loved her family and her community and took great pride and passion in helping them to be their best.
Lois was a shining beacon of light and love and will be missed by friends and family alike. She passed peacefully in her home on the morning of October 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. One of her last acts in this life was to sing a song with her grandson, celebrating one of her life’s passions until the very end. Her life was a beautiful example of love, perseverance, and faith. Her family cherishes all who choose to celebrate her life and, as Lois would often say, wishes to thank you for doing a “sturdily fine job.”