Elizabeth Anne (Kershaw) Lohnes

Elizabeth Anne (Kershaw) Lohnes, of Worcester, passed away Saturday night at her home.

Elizabeth was born to John F. and Cora Kershaw (Russell) on January 26, 1933. Her brother, John F. Kershaw Jr, and sister, Dorothy K. Locke, both predeceased her. Her husband of 65 years, Sherman R. Lohnes, and son Richard P. Lohnes, passed away in 2022.

Elizabeth, or Betty as she was lovingly known, is survived by her son Sherman R. Lohnes Jr of Leicester, daughter Suzanne E. Zwicker of Berlin, and son Keith C. Lohnes of Worcester. She leaves four grandchildren; Nicole and Christine Zwicker and Kathryn and Stephen Lohnes. She also leaves behind her loyal cat, Rory.

Prior to starting a family, Betty worked at Liberty Mutual, and the College of the Holy Cross. While raising her family, Elizabeth learned to be a proficient seamstress, and an expert in the creation of slipcovers, curtains and draperies. Her work was well respected and much sought after all over central Massachusetts. In the 1990's, she returned to office work, working as a medical biller until her retirement.

Betty was a member of St. George's Church, and a past member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Elizabeth enjoyed collecting antiques, gardening, cooking for her family, quilting, and various other arts and crafts. She was always working on something. Betty was also an avid reader, and enjoyed learning about history, specifically New England history, and was a longtime member of Old Sturbridge Village.

She supported the Special Olympics, ASPCA, MSPCA, The Wounded Warrior Project along with many other charities and donated her time to these as well.

Betty always strove to bring good into the world, and constantly worried about others welfare above her own even as her health deteriorated.

In her final weeks and days, while struggling with the debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease and dementia; which along with suffering a broken hip years earlier, had left her unable to walk and had made communicating problematic-her smile through all the difficult, dark and what must have been most painful times of her life-clearly conveyed a love that remained in her heart unaffected by any of her health issues, along with a determination to press on with a happy spirit. She had a deep appreciation for those who cared for her and lightened her burden, especially her friend and home health aide Jamie, whose companionship and optimistic outlook on life was a source of joy, strength and inspiration to Betty throughout her struggle. 

Always generous with her time, focus, energy, love and that endearing smile, Elizabeth's pure heart and sweet disposition will leave an unfillable gap in the hearts of those who loved her.

Calling hours are Friday, February 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 25, at 10 a.m. in St. George's Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.