Lois Marie Putzke, a devoted wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Norfolk, VA, just a few days shy of her 78th birthday. Born on May 13, 1948, in Pennsylvania, she lived a life that was a testament to love, service, and the joy of family. She raised her family in Cattaraugus, NY surrounded by a large family and many wonderful friends and neighbors.
Lois was a Licensed Practical Nurse who dedicated her career to caring for cognitively impaired patients at the J.N Adams Development Center. Her kindness and compassion were evident as she assisted her patients with everyday tasks and self-care, treating them like family and making a lasting impact on their lives.
Beyond her professional life, Lois had a heart full of love and enthusiasm for her interests. She volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as her children were growing up. She was an active volunteer in her daughter Marie’s elementary school classroom in Hampton, Virginia, sharing her warm spirit with the children. Lois enjoyed playing word games, playing bingo, and was an avid craft enthusiast. Music brought her joy, even if she couldn’t carry a tune, and she delighted in baking and decorating cakes with the same creativity she applied to crafting.
Travel was another passion for Lois. She cherished family vacations, including a memorable trip to Germany with her husband, daughter, and mother to visit her son stationed there. She also treasured the magical moments spent with her family at Disney. She could turn a simple trip to the store into an adventure.
Above all else, Lois loved spending time with her family. Nothing brought her more joy. Even on her hardest days, her face would light up whenever one of her kids would walk into the room or call. Her commitment to her loved ones was unwavering, and her presence brought warmth and happiness to those around her.
Lois was a member of Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church in Cattaraugus, NY, where she found community and spiritual fulfillment.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Daniel L. Putzke Sr. (2025), her parents, Albert and Nellie Llewellyn, her in-laws, Elvin and Jeanne Putzke, her sister in law Janice and Karen and her siblings- Jim, Bud, Ruth and Doris. Lois leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. She is survived by her cherished children, Marie Putzke, Holly Zebrowski (Todd Becker), and Daniel Putzke Jr. (Torsha Henry), and her four amazing grandchildren: Michelle and Emily Zebrowski and Tatiana and Zachary Putzke, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to her life. Her sister Janet, sister in law, Kathy and her best friend Cheryl Heim were all very important to her as well as her extended family and friends.
At this time, no services are planned. A memorial will be planned at a later date. In honoring Lois’s memory, her family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate her life by embodying the generosity and love she shared with all those she met.
Lois Marie Putzke will be remembered for her boundless love, her devotion to family, and her unwavering dedication to caring for others. Her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.