Lois Angelina (Reilly) McKinnon, 1940–2025

Lois Angelina (Reilly) McKinnon of Waltham passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on June 27, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on March 21, 1940, in Waltham, Lois was the daughter of the late Elmer G. and Margaret A. (MacLennan) Reilly. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur R. McKinnon, who waited over nine years for her to be by his side once again—he most certainly greeted her with his charming, signature grin and a long overdue kiss.

Born and raised in Waltham, Lois attended St. Charles High School. Her heart found its match in August 1958, when she married Arthur, the undeniable love of her life. Together, they embarked on a beautiful adventure, establishing their home and family in Waltham. Their nearly 58 years of marriage were filled with devotion, lovable teasing, and many laughs. Their backyard pool became a cherished hub of family fun and friendship—for their children, grandchildren, and friends.

Lois was ever present in her children’s lives, participating in everything from Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to the Waltham Little Nippers Women’s Auxiliary—volunteering at “The Shack” while her sons played baseball. Lois was a homemaker through and through, with everything revolving around the home, her husband, and her children.

After being a nurse’s aide at the former Waltham Hospital and working for Raytheon in Waltham, Lois pursued a career as a precision craftsman at B.C. Ames, Inc., in Waltham, where she worked alongside her sister Ann, who was a constant presence in her life—they were always together. Upon her retirement, Lois quickly found a new path and title: Nana. She would go on to care for her grandchildren and give them memories that they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

A member of the Women of the Moose, Lois knew how to have a good time! She consistently hosted breakfasts after nights out at the Moose. Her time spent running bingo games was legendary! She enjoyed taking trips to Foxwoods with the Moose crew, day trips, and going on cruises with her siblings and friends.

Lois was a wonderful cook, with many signature dishes and go-to recipes. She was known for always having chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies on hand. During the holidays, she would make Italian cookies. Her deviled eggs, which she made for a holiday appetizer, were the best! And her potato salad was the perfect balance of ingredients. Although she didn’t have a green thumb, she made the most of all the vegetables that were given to her from Arthur’s garden and others, making zucchini and eggplant dishes to the delight of her children and grandchildren.

A dedicated Boston Red Sox Fan, Lois loved their remarkable run in the 2000s, especially after they reversed the curse and broke their infamous 86-year championship drought. On Sundays, she could be found watching Tom Brady and the New England Patriots with her husband and daughter. Lois also enjoyed “I spy” games on her iPad and word-find puzzles.

It was a comforting certainty that Lois would be settled in, enjoying her Westerns and television shows. She cherished the familiar storylines and dramatic music that signaled adventure. She found great joy in classics such as The Lone Ranger, Zorro, and The Tales of Wells Fargo, often remarking, “I haven’t seen that one in a while.” She’d soak in every moment of shows like NCIS, Rizzoli & Isles, Blue Bloods, Chicago Fire, and Perry Mason.

Lois was a strong and resilient woman. One of the most profound displays of her strength was the way she carried on each day for over nine years without her beloved Arthur by her side—honoring his memory through the quiet courage of simply continuing after he was taken much too soon.

Family is truly what kept Lois’s world turning. A call. A visit. A message or photo on her iPad. She loved her family. One of her greatest joys in life was having her grandchildren over through the years—summers spent at the pool, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the just-stopping-by visits. Time spent with people she loved was what meant the most to her.

Lois was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Reilly; her sisters, Margaret “Ann” Butler and Mary Cyr; and her daughter-in-law, Bonnie McKinnon (Trainor).

She is survived by her loving children: her son, Daniel McKinnon of Franklin, Mass.; her daughter Virginia Coen of Framingham, Mass.; her son, Roger McKinnon, and his wife, Dena (Duffy), of Framingham, Mass.; her cherished grandchildren: Jessie Sampsel (McKinnon) and her husband, Patrick, of Galloway, Ohio; Molly McKinnon of Framingham, Mass.; Jake McKinnon and his wife, Rachel (McKay); Cassie Melanson (McKinnon) and her husband, Austin, of Millis, Mass.; Drew McKinnon of Framingham, Mass.; and her great grandchildren, Mac and Rowe McKinnon, whom she adored and treasured dearly.

She is also survived by her brother, Donald, and his wife, Diana; her niece, Aileen (Cyr) Ramos, and her husband, Wilfredo; her grandniece, Paz Ramos, who was like a granddaughter to her; her dear family members Sophie Reilly, Janet Garland, and Dennis Clark; and her former neighbor and friend, Lisa Mula (Sementelli), and her daughter, Amanda Doucet (Mula). She leaves behind much-loved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather and celebrate the love Lois shared during visiting hours on Tuesday, July 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial. A funeral service in celebration of her life will begin on Tuesday, July 8, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham, Mass.

Those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please sign the guestbook at www.brascofuneralhome.com.

Dogs held a truly special place in Lois’s heart. Her face would light up with delight whenever her great-grandpups, Ollie, Oakley, or Berklee, came to visit—especially when they would bestow their love upon her for treats. To honor her love for animals, in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her memory to Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton by visiting baypathhumane.org/support-us/tribute.

From Brasco Funeral Home.