Lois A. (Ditzler) Shramek, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Burlington on Sunday, July 26th, with her loving family by her side. She was the devoted and loving wife of James "Jim" Shramek, with whom she shared more than 72 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Binghamton, New York, on August 30, 1934, she was one of two children born to the late Arthur and Anna (Seager) Ditzler. During her junior year of high school, Lois met the love of her life, Jim, and following her graduation, they began building their life together in New York. A few years later, they moved to Burlington, where they raised their loving family and settled into their forever home that would remain at the center of countless cherished memories for generations to come.

Lois worked for 24 years at Macy's Department Store. She then went on to work for the Burlington Town Clerk's Office for 24 years until her retirement in 2012. She became a beloved and familiar face to so many in the community, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

As a wife, mother, and later grandmother and great-grandmother, Lois was a constant source of love, encouragement, and support. When her children were young, she never missed a single event. Whether it was a sporting event, dance recital, or school activity, Lois could always be counted on to be there, cheering them on and celebrating every accomplishment they made.

When she wasn't doting on her beloved husband and children, Lois found countless ways to get involved in her community. She was a dedicated volunteer with People Helping People in Burlington and loved her time working with the food bank. She also enjoyed bowling, and even ran a bowling league in Woburn before the alley closed. Somehow, she also managed to find time to teach ice skating, and participated in a local softball league for many years as well.

As her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, her capacity for love and devotion grew tenfold. Just as she had done with her own children, Lois made it a point to attend their events and celebrate their milestones. She also treasured making memories with them, jumping right into the pool alongside them even at the age of 90. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family though. She never missed a milestone, celebration, or important occasion in any of the lives of those she loved. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and life's special moments were always remembered with a thoughtful card, always arriving right on time. Lois had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel special, appreciated, and truly seen.

As technology evolved, so did Lois' determination to stay connected with her family. Whether she was playing daily mobile games with them or checking in on her grandchildren through Instagram, she always wanted to be a part of their lives and keep up with their latest adventures.

In her free time, Lois loved traveling with Jim. In their younger years, they frequently traveled to California and Las Vegas. They traveled to Vegas every other month to visit her sister and enjoy some time together at the casinos. Over the years, their adventures expanded to countless cruises, visits to the Panama Canal and numerous tropical islands, and even a European cruise. Closer to home, they enjoyed trips to local casinos and boat rides on Province Lake with their son. Lois also had a passion for gardening and took great pride in her beautiful flowers and meticulously maintained yard. She loved shopping as well, often finding thoughtful gifts for others during her travels.

Holidays were especially meaningful in Lois' home, particularly Christmas. As their family continued to grow, Lois and Jim began renting St. Margaret's Church Hall to host their annual Christmas celebration. Knowing her health was beginning to decline, Lois' greatest joy this past year was being surrounded by her family at what became the largest gathering since the tradition began. She and Jim also delighted in hosting the family's annual Yankee Swap, filling it with prizes they had collected from casinos over the years. The most sought-after item over the years was a set of velvet coat hangers—a family favorite and true testament to the meaning behind the tradition: togetherness.

Above all else, Lois was a kind, attentive, thoughtful, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She never hesitated to put others before herself and always made every effort to nurture the relationships that meant so much to her. The way she made people feel truly special and deeply valued was a gift that cannot be measured. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and family that will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Along with her devoted husband, Jim, Lois is survived by her 6 adoring children, Marcella Salvo and her husband Thomas of Acton, Susan Soper and her husband Kenneth of Auburn, Linda Pratt and her husband Steven of Medway, Matthew Shramek and his wife Diane of Nottingham, NH, James Shramek and his wife Darcy of Bellingham, and Michelle Norum and her husband Christopher of Holden; her 14 cherished grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; her siblings-in-law, Carole Shramek of Binghamton, NY, and Joan Gialanella her husband John of Endicott, NY, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and loving friends.

Lois was the beloved sister of the late Carol Miller, and sister-in-law to the late William Shramek, Mary Faughnan, and Nancy Larabee.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, July 31st from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. Her Funeral will begin at the Funeral Home on Saturday, August 1st at 9 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington. At the request of the family, burial services will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People Helping People, Burlington.