Lois H. Chandler, 75, unexpectedly departed this life to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, in Bangor, Maine. She was born July 27, 1934, in Howland, Maine, to the Rev. and Mrs. Harvey M. Howe. She was the valedictorian of Jonesport High School Class of 1952.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, the Rev. Oscar R. Chandler; five children, Cheryl (Chandler) Davis and her husband, Peter, of Sandston, VA; the Rev. Leroy Chandler and his wife, Madeline, of Charlotte, NC; Pauline (Chandler) Berger and her husband, the Rev. Brian Berger, of Fortuna, CA; the Rev. Mark Chandler and his wife, Melanie, of Cherryfield, ME; and the Rev. Timothy Chandler and his wife, Lana, of Greenfield, TN; 2 sisters; Mary (Howe) Dame, of Hudson, NH, Phyllis (Howe) Merchant, of Addison, ME; 4 brothers, Delmont Howe, of Salisaw, OK; the Rev. David Howe, of Hudson, NH; the Rev. Paul Howe, of Nashua, NH; and Jim Howe, of San Mateo, FL; 12 grandchildren; Nathaniel, Kevin, Stephanie, Dewayne, Heidi, Shauna, Laura, Sarah, Zachary, Benjamin, Tiffany, and Lyndsey; 7 great-grandchildren and one en route, as well as nieces and nephews.

As the devoted wife of her beloved husband, she was a faithful helpmeet, furthering his multi-faceted ministry. Her endless love for her husband, children, and grandchildren was superseded only by her love for God. It seemed that she thought her hands were made exclusively for service to others, and this was her greatest joy. She was an avid multitasker and talented homemaker, not only in practical aspects, but focused on creating a peaceful and joyous atmosphere in the home. She enjoyed music, reading, poetry, birds, knitting, crocheting, and sewing, creating a variety of apparel from infant layettes to wedding gowns, but she especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and watching videos of family events. She was an accomplished pianist, playing for family enjoyment as well as many church-related events, and, for the last four years, has enjoyed teaching her grandson, Benji, to play piano.

She was a skilled writer of songs, poems, inspirational devotions, short stories, and church plays. She was known for cooking special treats for her entire family and friends. For many years, she cooked for hundreds of people at annual church camp meetings. In her youth, she was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Jonesport, Maine for 10 years, and continued to be actively involved in the work of the church throughout her life. She was a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Manchester, NH, which her husband pastored for 30 years. For the last five years, she has been a member of the Cherryfield Pentecostal Church. She served as Ladies' Auxiliary President of the Central New England District of the United Pentecostal Church for more than 20 years. She was predeceased by her parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Harvey M. Howe and their son, Ronald O. Chandler.

Family and friends may pay their devotions to Lois on Friday, May 14, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Crossroads Apostolic Church, in Hancock, ME. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. David L. Howe officiating, with committal to follow at Wescogus Cemetery, Addison, ME.