Mary “Lois” Hosmer, 91 of Holliston, passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Agnes Ursula (Haggerty) and John Francis Sullivan. She was the beloved wife of 54 years of the late William B. Hosmer.
Lois grew up in Winchester and enjoyed life with her immediate family and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lois attended St. Mary’s for elementary school and then attended St. Charles in Woburn for high school. Lois was a bookworm early on; finding a cozy spot to read was a life-long pleasure. After graduating high school, Lois attended Lowell Teachers’ College, now known as UMass Lowell, and majored in elementary education. She taught in West Medford, at the Gleason School, for eight years. Lois attended Tufts for graduate school, earning a Master’s in the Art of Teaching (1960). After dedicating many years to being a home-maker and raising her daughters,
Lois returned to the classroom as a substitute in the Holliston Public Schools for more than twenty years.
Lois knew Bill Hosmer throughout high school, as he was a good friend of her brother, Billy. One night, after returning home from service in the Air Force, Bill came to the house to pick up Billy to go to the movies. Billy wasn’t home, so he asked Lois to join him. Thus began a beautiful relationship that included dancing, dinners out, and leisurely drives. Bill and Lois married in 1963. In 1965, they had their first daughter, Mary, and then Sara completed the family in 1971. In 1972, the family moved from Woburn to Holliston, where the family enjoyed more than 50 years on Pinecrest Road. Pinecrest Road would become the foundation for so many happy events and memories. Bill and Lois remained happily married until Bill’s death in 2018.
Lois was tireless in her commitment to her family. She was a dedicated mother and supportive wife. Lois spoiled her family with delicious from scratch meals and dessert every day, as well as maintained a beautiful garden that was admired by many. The beauty of flowers and the birds outside brought Lois endless enjoyment.
Lois was deeply committed to her faith. A devoted Catholic, she participated in the Arise prayer group at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston, which was originally for the Lenten season, but was so meaningful to the group that they have continued on through the present day. Through Arise, Lois developed meaningful friendships with the members. In another commitment to learning and faith, Lois participated in the Denver Scripture Series, a three year in-depth study of the Bible. Lois contributed to faith development for youth by teaching CCD for many years at St. Mary’s. Lois’ Catholic faith was at the core of her life.
Lois was a life-long learner. She facilitated a writer’s group at the Holliston Senior Center for many years; another group where lovely friendships developed. She also attended the book group hosted by the Holliston Public Library. In the 1980’s, as a result of conversations while watching their kids in the pool at the YMCA, she and two friends started a catering company, Cooks on Call, that was sought after for events from small dinner parties to large weddings. For many years, Lois participated in a fruitful women’s investing group called Dough Girls. Lois and Bill enjoyed many trips abroad to Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, and the South Pacific. Lois was always sure to learn phrases of the local language and kept travel journals that she then shared with family and friends.
Lois’ family and friends will miss her intellect, cooking, stories, and humor. She has left an indelible mark and will be sorely missed. Good memories will sustain the
family as we miss her presence on trips for ice cream, time on Cape Cod, the Holiday Pops, Lilac Sunday, birthdays, and holidays. A 2012 family vacation to Ireland was the trip of a lifetime.
Lois is survived by two daughters, Mary Hosmer Fanucci and her husband, Jerry, of Lexington, and Sara Hosmer of Roslindale; three grandchildren, Kristina, Ben, and Abigail Fanucci; bonus daughter and son-in-law, Marsha Fanucci and Tom Wolf. She is also survived by her brother, Timothy Sullivan of Queensbury, NY, and his 5 children, their spouses, and children. She was predeceased by her siblings, William and Marcia Sullivan, her cousin, Claire MacDonald, and sister-in-law, Mary Sullivan.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9th, from 4 – 7pm at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 10th, at 11am, at Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holliston Senior Center, the Holliston Pantry Shelf, or St. Mary’s of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
