Mrs. Lois M. Moore

Lois Madelyn (Gelhorn) Moore passed away on November 22, 2025 in Pittsfield at age 92. Lois was born September 29th, 1933 in Hudson, NY to John Edwin and Marion (Risch) Gelhorn. Throughout her life, and indeed late in life, Lois classified herself as “just a small-town girl from Stuyvesant Falls, NY” where she grew up, happily surrounded by great and small beauty, in a caring, close-knit, devoted community. Lois attended a small grammar school in her hometown. Upon completion of the eighth grade, she attended and graduated from Hudson High School. She then earned her diploma as a Registered Nurse from Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in Schenectady, NY. During this time, she worked briefly as an RN in NJ and NY. Lois met her future husband, John Moore, on a blind date set up by astute friends. After his return from Japan (where John had been stationed while serving in the United States Air Force) they were married on September 19th, 1954. Subsequently stationed at Maquire AFB, they lived in Trenton NJ. Here they introduced their eldest son, David. From Trenton they moved to Ghent, NY and welcomed their daughter, Karen. In 1958 they moved to Pittsfield, where they later welcomed their youngest son, Douglas. In Pittsfield, with characteristic devotion, John and Lois chose South Congregational as their home church. Lois served as a Deacon, a member of the May Matoon women’s group, volunteered in its food pantry, and assisted in serving meals to the community. Informally, often quietly, and in as many ways as she saw need, she assisted many fellow parishioners outside of church. For much of her life, Lois characterized, and thought of herself, as “primarily a homemaker” -- a role she took seriously and did extraordinarily well. She was ever-attentive to her family, ever-thoughtful, ever-present. On weekends and holidays, the family visited with parents (and grandparents) either in Pittsfield or New York and often joined together for afternoons with Sunday dinner. As her parents aged, Lois increasingly, steadfastly, and lovingly cared for each of them, making more trips to Stuyvesant Falls, sometimes daily. As her children grew, Lois satisfyingly returned to work as a nurse at the former Meadow Place retirement home in Lenox. In her life, Lois’ care and love extended fully to grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, distant family, neighbors, gardens and even the pets of family members, for whom she happily served as surrogate, sometimes for significant lengths of time. Those who were fortunate enough to know Lois and John together may have more fully understood the aphorism: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Nothing was ever so clear as their dependence upon, their suitability for -- their love for -- one another. It is our hope that Lois and John may now be reunited. Lois’ survivors include children: David (Gail), of Charlton, NY; Doug (Patty Ingham), of Bloomington, IN; grandchildren: David John Moore (Ciara), of Arlington MA; Laura Greenhouse (Kyle) of Glenville NY; great-grandchildren: Joshua John and Luke Alexander Moore, Camryn Elizabeth Greenhouse, as well as many nieces and nephews. Lois is predeceased by John & Marion Gelhorn (parents), Esther (Gelhorn) Carlson (sister), Karen (Moore) Hill (daughter), and John Moore (husband). The family would like to thank the staff at Visiting Angels, Pittsfield, especially Barbara and Hilda for years of friendship with Lois; the staff at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility, and at Hospice Care in the Berkshires. Funeral Notice: A private graveside service for Lois will be held in 2026. Donations in Lois’ memory may be made to Pittsfield Community Food Pantry at United Church of Christ (formerly South Congregational Church) at 110 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Phone: 413-464-8042; pittsfieldfoodpantry.org.

Mrs. Lois M. Moore

September 29, 1933 - November 22, 2025