Lois M. O'Hala

Lois M. (Gemmell) O'Hala, 91, of Southington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at her home. She had been the loving wife of the late Richard "Rit” E. O’Hala for 68 years. Together they created a foundation of love and support for their children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lois was born on August 13, 1932 in Middletown Springs, VT to the late Thomas and Mary (Gallant) Gemmell and had been a longtime Southington resident.

Lois graduated from Lewis High School, Class of 1950 and went on to The Hartford Institute of Hairdressing and worked at Schultz’s Hairdressing and Stanley’s Salon of Beauty. She also worked at Curtiss Farms in Southington and at the Aqua Turf Club with the “blue-haired ladies.” Lois enjoyed walking, golfing and dancing. She was a longtime parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Southington and enjoyed spending winters in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Lois is survived by 5 children; Laurie Plourd and her husband Russ of Southington, Gary O’Hala and his wife Teresia of Wallingford, Nancy Nardi and her husband Tom of Southington, Reverend Steven O’Hala of Davie, FL and Julie Emond and her husband David of Guilford, VT and 9 grandchildren; Amy Crain (Rob) and their children Madalyn and Nolan, Kevin Plourd, Michael Plourd (Samantha) and their children, Maisie and Theodore,  Joseph O’Hala (Amanda), Katelyn Ballough (Bob) and their children Bo and Reese, Bill Nardi, Lea Nardi, Zachary Emond (Danielle) and their children, Avery and Elijah and Carly Emond. 

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, David Crombie, her sister-in-law Judith Gemmell and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Rit, she was predeceased by an infant daughter Paula, her brother Clifford Gemmell, brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Lucille Gemmell, sister-in-law, Margaret Crombie and brothers and sisters-in-law, Chester and Alice O’Hala and Joseph J. and Millie O’Hala.

Lois’ family would like to extend a special thank you to Companions and Homemakers, especially Patricia, for the loving care she gave their Mom these past 7 months. Also, a special thank you to Accent Hospice, for the wonderful care of their Mom so that she could remain at home, especially her nurses, Crystal, John, and Heidi.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lois’ memory may be made to WJMJ Radio, 15 Peach Orchard Road Prospect, CT  06712-1052 (https://www.ortv.org/WJMJ/wjmj.htm).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St, Plantsville. Please meet directly at church. To join the services virtually, please follow this link       (https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/319403754/). Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.