Term: 2023 to 2025
Photo by Jeannette Michelson
Past President, Lois Perry, spent a great deal of her life in Education, first as a teacher for 20 years followed by 17 years in administration while living in Wilmington, Delaware. Her mantra in both her professional and private life resonates with these word: “Good people see the good and bring out the best in others.” These became words to live by during her time as an Education administrator in Wilmington, as Lois found herself in a pivotal time there. The Wilmington Public School District was going through a desegregation process to balance the local community schools. Throughout this difficult time, Lois shared that as new faculty was being established in her school, she tried to see people where they were, encourage team building, and understand what they were going through in order to support them during this crucial time of coming together.
Lois received her college education at Penn State where she met her husband, James Perry. Together in Delaware, they raised a son and daughter and now share 5 grandchildren. The love of education permeated Lois’s life; as in one point in her professional career, she applied for a Fulbright Memorial Fund Grant to go to Japan to study and observe the schools there for three weeks. Lois was one of four applicants from her state who was chosen to go.
Lois commented on one important aspect of her school visitations. She explained that once the students had completed their regular academic school day, the children were immersed in cultural endeavors with an emphasis on “respect” especially for their elders.
Born in northeast Philadelphia, Lois has had a connection to LBI since she was a toddler. After her father returned from World War II, he bought a beach house on the island where she would spend every summer.
As time went on, Lois’ family joined the Brant Beach Yacht Club where Lois enjoyed sailing which she continued doing well into her 60’s.
Learning about the Garden Club from friends at the yacht club, Lois decided to join the Garden Club in 2010; but was on a waiting list and did not become a member until three years later.
One of Lois’ first jobs was as recording secretary. Lois also worked on the Intergenerational Committee, co- chaired houses on the house tour, and was an integral part of the Garden Tour for the last four years. Lois is also a very talented floral designer and over the years has entered flower shows and Art in Bloom.
Lois became President in 2023 and with her two-year tenure was a supporter of our club’s 2025 flower show, garden tours, trips, house tour activities, garden projects, celebrations, parades, and anything else that would bring positive notoriety to the club. One of the things Lois is most proud of is our club winning “Garden Club of the Year Award.” She went onto share: “This award is not won in one year. It is won by the contributions of all presidents, all chairpersons, and all volunteers that have made our club such a vibrant organization.” In true Lois fashion, she firmly believes in seeing people their values and contributions.
As an avid reader, writer, and lover of quotes, Lois embodies these words; “…true wealth comes from giving, not getting; and that service to others brings profound personal fulfillment.”
We, as a club, are grateful to Lois for all her work and support to continue our club’s legacy here on LBI.