WILMINGTON — Lois Burns Andrews of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at The Commons of Brightmore on September 3, 2026, at the age of 95.
Lois was born on May 3, 1931, in Riverton, New Jersey, the youngest of two children of Arthur H. Burns, Sr. and Mabelle Grace Burns. Her brother, Arthur H. Burns, Jr., predeceased her. As a child, Lois developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, enjoying sailing and horseback riding.
Lois attended Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband, Alday Bishop Andrews. They were married on August 22, 1953, while Alday pursued a postgraduate degree in State College, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds moved to Woodbury, New Jersey, where they raised their two sons, Alday Bruce Andrews and David Bryce Andrews.
Alday and Lois lived in Woodbury for more than 50 years. Lois was a devoted homemaker and was deeply involved in her sons’ activities, particularly scouting. Her dedication to scouting was recognized when she received the Silver Fox Award, the highest honor an adult woman could receive in scouting.
Lois had a tremendous appreciation for the outdoors and an active spirit throughout her life. She worked as a swimming instructor during the summers and a snow-skiing instructor during the winters. She was also an active member of Presbyterian Church at Woodbury, where she enjoyed the fellowship of her church friends through choir, bowling, and bridge.
In 2008, Lois and Alday moved to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Following Alday’s passing, Lois moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2021, where she resided at The Commons of Brightmore.
Lois is survived by her son, David Bryce Andrews (Wendy); her grandchildren, Abby, Sam, and Tory, and three great grandchildren; and the children of her late son, Bruce (Beth), Alex and Brittany.
Lois will be remembered for her love of family, her adventurous spirit, her devotion to the outdoors, and the many friendships she formed throughout her life.
A celebration of her wonderful will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Hospice at 420 Eastwood Rd Ste 101, Wilmington, NC 28403.
