Lois M. Moore

Lois Mae Moore took her final flight to be with the Lord on Monday, April 21st, at the age of 88.

Born smack-dab in the middle of nine children (why yes, they were Catholic, why do you ask?) in Fox Chapel, PA, on June 17, 1936, to William Ira Moore and Katherine Marie (Charlton), Lois's idyllic early life on the farm instilled in her a love for the simple life – though "simple" definitely never meant "boring"! Even as a kid, Lois was gazing skyward, utterly captivated by anything that soared: from huge, powerful airplanes to the humble sparrow.

After graduating from Springdale High School in 1955, Lois didn't waste any time, enlisting in the Air Force that very same year. Serving as an Administrative Clerk until 1959, when she traded her uniform (temporarily!) for a wedding dress, marrying Jack Helsley and embarking on the adventure of motherhood. But the call of duty – and the roar of engines – was strong. Lois later rejoined the Air Force Reserves at the 911th Air Lift Wing as an Aircraft Mechanic. She wasn't just admiring planes: she was fixing them! She even dabbled in flying planes, putting in flight hours towards her private pilot's license in the 1970's. Lois also served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 before finally hanging up her wrench in 1996, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. She proudly carried her membership in the Mt. Pleasant VFW.

Lois, an intelligent, funny, and independent woman, had a career path that was as varied as her interests. One minute she was selling houses as a Real Estate agent, the next she was losing the tip of her finger at Paper Craft (and never hesitated to tell the slightly gory story to impressionable young grandchildren), and then she was knee-deep in metal as a journeyman/machinist for DuraMetal in Donora. Retirement for Lois? That was just a suggestion! To ensure she didn't accidentally become a couch potato, she took on the vital role of greeter at Wal-Mart, proclaiming it was to "make sure she stays busy!" We suspect she also enjoyed that sweet employee discount.

Her hobbies were a testament to her multifaceted spirit. She championed women's rights as a proud member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), had a sharp eye and steady hand as a gun enthusiast who loved trap shooting and hunting, and proved she could build anything when she single-handedly constructed a playhouse for her lucky grandkids (who she was helping raise at the time). And if you needed a past issue of "This Old House" magazine? You bet this woman had a steamer trunk full of them in her bedroom (they must've had some pretty good information though, as she helped to restore the original woodwork in the mid 19th century farmhouse she once co-owned with her daughter). Just don't ask her what to do about a coyote problem!

Lois has now joined her parents and her elder sisters Eleanor, Katherine, Alice, and Grace in whatever grand adventure they are now on together. She leaves behind her younger siblings, brother William, and sisters Susan, June, and Margaretha, a gaggle of nieces and nephews, her son, Edward Jack Helsley, her daughter Sharon Diane (Mark) Hixson, her adoring grandchildren Ashley (Paul) Vidale, Kristi Snow Kenyon, Malinda Jean Pfoutz, Alexis Snow Helsley, Vaughn Snow Helsley, and her nine great-grandchildren - all of whom, according to their parents, have inherited Lois's feisty spirit and snappy comebacks. Also left with fond memories is Carol (Trout) Koza, a special family friend who Lois cherished like a daughter.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Greene Health and Rehabilitation for their exceptional care, unwavering dedication, and the genuine compassion they showed Lois. They truly made her final journey a little brighter.

Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, April 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24 from 10 am to 11 am where her funeral service will begin at 11 am with Pastor Jason D. Kramer officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Alverton Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.gjfuneral.com.