Obituary of Lois M. DeMita

Lois M. DeMita
March 22, 1934 – September 6, 2025

Lois M. DeMita, age 91, of Glen Cove, NY, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025.

Born on March 22, 1934, in Geneva, Alabama, to George and Helen Smith, Lois grew up surrounded by her many siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. After graduating from Geneva High School, she attended Massey Business College, where she trained as a bookkeeper. Over the years, she worked in various roles and was fortunate to meet many well-known figures, including Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong, and Gary Cooper.

In 1955, Lois moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and a few years later was accepted into Eastern Airlines’ Flight Attendant School in Miami, Florida. She was later stationed in Jackson Heights, Queens. In May 1956, she met her future husband, Frank DeMita. The couple married in July 1957 and settled in Valley Stream, New York. At that time, Eastern’s policy did not allow married women to remain as flight attendants, so Lois embarked on a new career path. She soon passed the Civil Service examination and became the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at the local junior high school, a position she held with dedication for 20 years.

While raising her two sons, Lois remained deeply involved in her community. She served as President of the Wheeler Avenue Elementary School PTA, supported her sons’ education and activities, and created a warm and welcoming home. In 1988, after both sons completed college and began their own careers, Lois and Frank retired—Lois from her school position and Frank as both an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chairman of his Credit Union. They later sold their Valley Stream home and moved to Glen Cove.

Lois will be fondly remembered for her many talents and passions. She was an accomplished cook, mastering both her native Southern cuisine and the flavors of Southern Italian cookery. Her elaborate birthday cakes were legendary among her family. A voracious reader, Lois had a particular love for mysteries by Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Dorothy L. Sayers, as well as the wit of P.G. Wodehouse. It was not unusual for her to return from the Valley Stream Public Library with an armful of books, only to find she had already read half of them. Her sense of humor, warmth, and love of learning left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Lois is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Frank DeMita; her sons, Frank Jr. and his wife Georgia, and Michael and his wife Lilli, and her beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Serena. She is also survived by many relatives and friends who cherished her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Franklin Avenue, Glen Cove.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.