Obituary of Lois M Heikkila

Lois Heikkila, age 80, of Whitehouse Station NJ, passed away at home on July 19, 2023.

Lois was born in Gardner, Mass to parents Waino and Tyyne Heikkila.  She grew up in Massachusetts until leaving for college.  She graduated from the University of Bridgeport, majoring in Journalism.

After college, Lois moved to New Jersey and began a career in journalism working for the Ridgewood Newspapers as a writer, editor and photographer.  She later worked for the Englewood Suburban. 

She then moved to New York City and began a second career in retail as a Macy’s manager.

In the late 1970s Lois found her third and final career as a Special Education teacher with the New York City schools.  She earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Adelphi University and continued teaching for 29 years.  

In 1989, Lois met the love of her life, her wife Eleanor, and began a relationship which lasted for over 33 years.   The two of them spent many magical summers on Fire Island, where Lois served as a volunteer on the Cherry Grove Fire Department. 

Lois retired from teaching in 2005.  After 40 years in New York City she and Eleanor moved to Whitehouse Station.  She joined the Whitehouse Fire Department, delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered as a child advocate.  

Her humor, wisdom, kindness and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitehouse  Rescue Squad. https://whitehouserescue.com