Notes:
Lois Baird Mumaw, 84
BOARDMAN – Lois Baird Mumaw, 84, passed away Thursday morning at her home, with her family by her side.
She was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Middletown.
Lois’s great love was her family. She was devoted to her husband, Attorney James Mumaw, whom she married in 1948. They had 55 years together before he passed away in 2003. She took great pride in having his dinner ready for him on time each evening, and her grandchildren later delighted in teasing her about this preoccupation.
Lois was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was proud of being a Registered Nurse. She moved to Youngstown upon her marriage and worked as a visiting nurse. After the birth of her three sons, she stayed home and tolerated many raucous hours of basketball, baseball, and football in the backyard at her home on Glenwood Avenue, while she calmly refinished furniture on the porch. Her nursing degree came in handy many times as she patched up the knees and elbows of all the boys in the neighborhood.
Amid all the happy chaos, she managed to have what must have been one of the most miraculously productive vegetable gardens in world history. Many lawyers downtown remember the summer days when her husband would bring in paper bags full of tomatoes to pass out to his colleagues. Her green thumb extended to flowers, as she effortlessly grew roses and a lilac hedge that was entirely purple with blossoms each spring. In the winter, she would quilt as several televisions and radios blared sports programs. Her family today is still grateful for that habit, which has resulted in mounds of quilts for every bed, guest bed, couch and loveseat in at least five households. When her boys were older, she worked as an office nurse for Dr. Kiskadden, and a school nurse for Youngstown City Schools.
Lois served as secretary of the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown from its earliest years until recently when her health no longer allowed her to attend meetings. She was an active member of its Board of Directors. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, sitting for years in the front row of the balcony every Sunday.
Her grandchildren grew up listening to her read books to them, eating her “fruit funs” and inventing games in her backyard and basement that provided her with yet more bruised knees and elbows to look after. They are all very thankful for her lessons on how to be properly “Scotch,” and when to “just not pay any attention.”
She is survived by her three sons, Tom Mumaw and his wife, Kathy, Dan Mumaw and his wife, Nancy and Bill Mumaw and his wife, Cathy and eight grandchildren, David, Brian, Michele, Becky, Kristen, Jason (wife Karrie), Sarah and Elizabeth.
For many years, this extended family has gathered every Sunday at Lois’s home to visit and share Sunday dinner. Even after moving out on their own, the grandchildren who still live in town regularly show up on Sunday for a very punctual dinner.
The family would like to thank Dr. Denise Bobovnyik, Dr. Chris Knight, MVI Hospice, and Home Instead for their care and support.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home at 4442 South Ave., in Boardman and from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, prior to the service to be held on Monday at 11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, located at 2105 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Lois’ family.