Lois Dillingham

Lois Dillingham

November 10, 1934 – April 4, 2026

Lois Lorraine Dillingham, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, surrounded by family. She was a cherished and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her.

Lois was born on November 10, 1934, on her family’s farm in Hart, Michigan, to Helga and Harley Hodges, the fourth of eight children. She attended a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Hart High School. Lois often reflected fondly on her childhood spent playing with siblings and helping care for animals and crops.

Lois attended Western Michigan Univ. and returned later to finish her BA in Elementary Education after her children entered school.

Lois married the love of her life, John Dillingham, on July 28, 1956. Together, they shared nearly 68 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and devotion, until John’s passing in 2024.

After marriage, Lois and John settled in Allegan, Michigan where they raised their three daughters. Lois volunteered there for the Elks and Jaycees. In 1985, a new job opportunity for John and a love for warmer weather brought them to South Florida, where they made their home in West Palm Beach for more than 40 years.

Lois had a spirited and competitive nature and found great joy in playing bridge, card games, and board games—activities she enjoyed even in her final weeks. She also loved golf, dining out and dancing with friends.

Throughout her career, Lois worked in several roles, including as a substitute teacher and medical assistant. However, the center of her life was her family. She was a devoted mother who took immense pride in supporting her daughters and later found deep joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with them and attending their activities.

Some of Lois’s favorite memories were time spent with her 6 sisters and 1 brother and their spouses, which included golf vacations and large family get-togethers over Thanksgiving and New Years, that were always filled with laughter.

After retiring, Lois and John spent many summers in Michigan, enjoying cooler weather and reconnecting with friends and family.

Lois is survived by her daughters: Christie (Steve) Sutherland, Richland, MI; Carolyn Flak, Boca Raton, FL; & Julie (Jim) Peirce, West Palm Beach, FL.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Laurel (Jason) Manke, Lindsay (Sandro) Sutherland-Gvakharia, David Sutherland, Nigel Flak, Savannah Flak (Tim Bridges), Spencer Peirce, & Taylor (Thomas) Conner.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Seton, Eleanor, & Lila Manke; Archil Gvakharia; and Cara Conner.

Additionally Lois is survived by her siblings; Harley (Lorraine) Hodges, Phyllis Daniels, Beverly Rowe, Sharlene (Ron) Sauser; Harleth (Ed) Herremans and Charlotte (Cliff) Wozniak.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband John Dillingham, her sister, Lucile Radick; brother-in-laws & sisters-in-laws, Louise (Wayne) McCarty, Jean (John) Freeman, Tom (Connie) Dillingham, Mary Ellen (Jack) McClouth, Charles Radick, Joe Daniels, and Eugene Rowe.

Lois will be remembered as a gracious and kind-hearted person. She had a gift for making others feel loved and welcome, always ready with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug. Her legacy of love, generosity, and playful spirit will live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

Following the service the family would like to invite everyone to join them at Carrabba's Italian Grill, 11141 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.