Lois E. Humphrey

Lois Elsie Humphrey of Trumansburg passed away at home surrounded by family on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the age of 91.

Lois was born on December 16, 1923 in Ithaca, a daughter of the late Louis and Hazel (Bogart) Georgia. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1941, Lois attended Cornell University, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She worked for several organizations including Knight’s Meat Market, Rothschild’s, and Tompkins County Social Services before becoming a Probation Officer with the Tompkins County Probation Department. Lois was appointed Acting Director in 1980 and became the Director of Probation in 1981, retiring from the position in 1986. Upon her retirement, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives passed a Commendation Resolution and NYS Governor, Mario Cuomo proclaimed January 16, 1986 “Lois Humphrey Day” to honor all of her hard work and dedication to Tompkins County and the NYS Division of Probation & Correctional Alternatives.

Lois traveled the world with her lifelong best friend, Henrietta Gehshan and spent many times enjoying the company of friends Gilbert and Eleanor Andrews. She loved playing golf, a hobby she continued into her 90’s, and was an avid sports fan rooting for Ohio State Football on Saturday’s and her beloved 49ers on Sunday’s.

Lois was an active member of many organizations; a Trustee of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, NYS Council of Probation Administrators, Area I Probation Administrators, serving as President from 1984-1985, the Ithaca Women’s Club, the Cornell Women’s Club, Ulysses Historical Society, Taughannock Garden Club and Gemm Shop Volunteer.

Lois also enjoyed knitting and crafting, cooking and baking for family and friends, boating and sailing, and playing cards.

Lois is survived by two children, Linda (Roger) Rector of Trumansburg and John (Louise Schefkowitz) Humphrey of Ithaca; one grandson, Timothy (Nicole Reynolds) Kessler of Ithaca; one granddaughter, Kirstin (John) Hunt of Columbia, TN; one great grandson, Matthew Kessler; four step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces, and beloved grand-dog, Zen. In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Humphrey in 1976; step father, Henry Dunn; and brother and sister in law, Willard and Evelyn Georgia.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 21st at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, 80 East Main Street, Trumansburg with Rev Jeff Losey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to make a contribution in Lois’ memory to the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Ulysses Historical Society, PO Box 455, Trumansburg, NY 14886.