LOIS H. WELLS

VISITATION: FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 1PM TO 4PM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 11AM OAK RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 342 OAK RIDGE ROAD OAK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY 07438 INTERMENT: SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 FOLLOWING SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE OAK RIDGE CEMETERY LOCATED BEHIND THE CHURCH Lois Marie (Hartvigsen) Wells of Wayne NJ, previously of Butler NJ, Seminole FL and Oak Ridge NJ, has joined the Great Healer in heaven. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on August 11, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Westfield, NJ on August 4, 1930 to Harman V. and Sophie S. (Nielsen) Hartvigsen, Lois was surrounded by a large and loving Norwegian-American community. Although a child of the Great Depression, she often said she was unaware of the financial challenges her family faced because they always seemed to have “enough”. Lois was a top student in high school and as such, earned a scholarship to Cornell University. She told many tales of her experiences there. Lois completed her degree at the CU-New York Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. After graduation, Lois and three friends drove to California to find work. Lois also told many tales of this grand adventure. The call of home brought her back to NJ where she taught at CU-New York Hospital. Over the years, Lois took on a variety of nursing roles, including her work as a visiting nurse and the West Milford town nurse. She also taught classes at Passaic County Community College. Lois was proud of her Norwegian heritage, and enjoyed keeping traditions with her large extended family. While working in New York, Lois was often responsible for going to Brooklyn to pick up the special main course for Christmas Eve. Lois was a faithful servant in many churches. She met her husband, Bob, while teaching Sunday School at Plainfield Presbyterian Church. They were married on January 10, 1959 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Lois was a creative and resourceful woman. She effortlessly made beautiful arrangements from the flowers in Bob’s garden, and crafted clever Halloween costumes like the “Rolling Bones “ from cardboard boxes. In her free time, Lois enjoyed playing games, whether it was Flinch with her mother after work, or Monopoly with her children on a snowy day. She and Bob were a formidable team at Bridge. An avid reader, Lois participated in several book clubs. After moving to Butler, Lois enjoyed taking classes at the Kinnelon Library- CLL, and teaching bridge to middle-schoolers with Bob. Lois and Bob enjoyed vacations at the Jersey shore and August retreats at Beaver Lake, NJ. They also enjoyed traveling, especially in retirement. They explored many destinations in the US and around the world. Lois was predeceased by her husband, Robert William Wells, her parents and her brother, Harmon Hartvigsen Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Lawrence Wells, of Rochester NY, David (Anna) Wells, of Tinton Falls, NJ, and Elizabeth (Dale) Borchert of Poughkeepsie, NY; her grandchildren: Katherine and Thomas Borchert; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Lois lived a wonderful life. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matt. 25:23 The family will receive visitors on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 1-4 pm at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. A service of remembrance will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11am at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 342 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, PO Box 302, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. On line condolences and directions: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.

LOIS H. WELLS

August 4, 1930 - August 11, 2023