Lois T. (Tysver) Jay, a retired nurse and a woman who always placed her family first, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. She was 90 years old.

Lois was born in Gloucester. Her mother, Charlotte (Hickey) Tysver, immigrated from Nova Scotia, and her father, Oliver "Cy" Tysver, was born in Michigan and was a fishing captain in Gloucester. She had a wonderful childhood growing up in Gloucester. She came from a close-knit family that included her siblings Oliver, Joan, Donna, Mary, and Michael, all of whom predeceased her. She came from a family of athletes, especially skaters. They had a pond in their backyard where they swam and fished during the summer months and skated in the winter. She was a graduate of Gloucester High School and went on to attend Mount St. Mary's College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she earned her nursing degree.

Lois was the perfect nurse. She possessed unique skills in communication, critical thinking, and empathy for her patients as well as their families. She was a strong advocate for her patients, combining professionalism with humor, sincerity, and candor. She worked at Beth Israel Hospital for three years before taking on her most favorite and rewarding position at a Boston agency that supported all Boston hospitals in caring for the sickest patients on a one-on-one basis. Some of the cases she worked on were later written as case studies in the New England Journal of Medicine.

After starting her family, she took a position at New England Rehabilitation Hospital, where she worked for 27 years. She served in various roles as a nurse and supervisor and ended her career as a referral specialist. She enjoyed supporting her patients through their recovery process, and as a sports fan, she especially appreciated the opportunity to help athletes, including Red Sox players, return to their respective sports. Lois was also the family and neighborhood healthcare provider and advisor. She was always available to share her knowledge and skills, guiding others on appropriate medical care and tending to the scrapes, cuts, and bruises of her sons and neighborhood children.

Lois always placed others first and never expected anything in return, as seen in her nursing career and in her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be remembered for her selfless and caring nature and for her unwavering dedication to her family and her work as a nurse. She was a constant supporter of her sons and later her grandchildren in whatever passions they pursued. She loved sharing her passion for sports with them and could always be found on the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on in football, hockey, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball. She traveled all over the country supporting them.

She enjoyed following her son Bobby's hockey career and traveling to see his games. She was equally supportive and proud of her son Jon in all of his endeavors, as well. Lois was part of the original group of parents who helped start a girls' hockey team, The Ragdolls, in Burlington, where she served as both a coach and mentor.

Lois was a hands-on mother and grandmother. She would shoot pucks with the kids on their backyard rink, play wiffle ball, and participate in any activity that interested them. She also helped care for all four of her grandchildren while their parents worked. She was a steady, supportive, encouraging, and reassuring presence for her family and for the neighborhood children as well.

Lois also had her own passions. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and was active in local leagues, even competing on television and finishing second. She also enjoyed playing bingo, watching sports, traveling, and going on cruises with her friends. Thirty-four years ago, she purchased land on Long Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, where she built a home that became the summer gathering place for her family. She spent her days at the beach socializing with family and friends while the children swam and boated. Evenings were spent barbecuing and playing cards and board games, with Gin Rummy and Scrabble among her favorites. Her competitive spirit often revealed itself during these games. She also enjoyed day trips with her siblings, going to bingo, and traveling and cruising with her friends.

Her family will remember her for her steady presence and the quiet way she was always there when it mattered most.

Lois was the beloved wife of the late Robert G. Jay. They met while she was working in Boston, and he was attending Boston University. Since 1958, they made their home across the street from Bob's childhood home in Burlington. She was the loving mother of Jonathan Jay and his wife, Bridget, and devoted "Nannie" to their sons, Jack R. Jay and Jonathan O. Jay, Jr.; and Robert Jay and his daughters, Addison E. Jay and Ashleigh L. Jay, along with Robert's partner, Heather Field, and her daughters, Haley and Faith. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Diana Jay; her dear friend, Patricia Donnell; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington. A celebration of Lois's life will follow the Mass at Sorella's, 2400 District Ave, Burlington. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Memorials in Lois's name may be made to People Helping People www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.

For the online guestbook and video tribute, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.