LOIS E. CARSLEY
PALMYRA—Lois Ellsworth (Andrews) Carsley, 89, died July 3, 2006 at a Pittsfield hospital surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was born March 25, 1917 at Enfield, NH, the daughter of Fred and Donna (Bowen) Andrews. Lois graduated in 1940 from Sisters Hospital in Waterville as a registered nurse. She took her nursing skills into the U. S. Navy in 1942 and served as an ensign during World War II. She resigned her Navy commission to marry her husband of 37 years, Homer F. Carsley, a member of the U. S. Army Air Corps. Though she continued to practice nursing, her passion was for music. She played professionally for more than 30 years, demonstrating organs for Wurlitzer in New York City, and playing nightclubs at military postings in the United States, Canada, Panama, and Guam. She was a gifted entertainer who could play virtually any song request from the 1900’s to the 1960’s, all without music. Though she preferred the organ, Lois could also play a spirited honky-tonk piano.

She spent her most recent years entertaining fellow residents and visitors at Goudreau’s Retirement Inn in Winslow, and recorded her own self-titled CD “Lois Having Fun” at the age of 86. Lois brought life to any gathering with her quick laugh, infectious spirit, and mischievous sense of humor. She enjoyed a bawdy joke, or a “lusty and busty” novel. Lois was also a snappy, stylish dresser who loved to accessorize her outfits with scarves and jewelry. Her keen wit and musical flair will be remembered warmly, and sadly missed.

She was predeceased by her husband, Capt. Homer F. Carsley, USAF (Ret.); a daughter, Donna “Tsebiyah” (Carsley) Harris; and a brother, Lloyd “Bob” Andrews. She is survived by a son, Douglas Carsley of Palmyra; a daughter, Denice Carsley of Bethlehem, NH; a sister, Donna (Andrews) Bessey of Albion; a half brother, Frederick Andrews of Dover-Foxcroft; a special granddaughter, Lois (Withey) Hamel of Auburn; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and many friends.

Graveside services will be held 2 P.M. Friday, July 7th at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter, with the Rev. Ed Hatch, pastor of Palermo Christian Church officiating. To sign an on-line guestbook, please visit www.CrosbyNeal.com.