Lois Mae Clayton (Broomall), passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025 at the age of 95.

Lois was born October 21, 1930 in Christiana, Delaware and was a life-long resident of Olde New Castle, Delaware graduating from William Penn High School in 1948. She led a very bustling and joy-filled life, right up until her day of passing. Her vast interests, hobbies and involvement in the community were many. In her early life, she was employed as a nursing assistant at Wilmington Hospital. This vocation, although not formally, would encompass her countenance and define her long life as a care-giver, in all its meaning, to everyone whom she encountered. Whether it was cooking for her family, providing meals to friends, hosting countless backyard parties at the Clayton pool house, or reaching out for a phone call to provide loving words of comfort or concern, she was always thinking of the well-being and happiness of others with genuine love.

She worked part-time at Bridgewater Jewelers and later was a Hostess at the David Finney Inn in New Castle, DE which could be considered the pinnacle of her social standing in New Castle and where her communication and organizational skills flourished. Many people from town, as well as out of town, were blessed with her presence, grace, wide smile, blonde bouffant, and big blue eyes as they entered the restaurant. She had developed many friendships and memories with the staff during her stay there of over 10 years.

Her love of gardening flourished both in her beloved back yard herb garden as well as during her many years of service to the New Castle Arasapha Garden Club. Many of her floral arrangements and Christmas wreaths could be seen adorned around town during the holidays. Joining her late husband Albert as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club was also a joy for her and where she learned to care for the spoiled carp who shared her garden space.

Staying active was not only a necessity of Lois but also a part of her unspoken Mantra of living. If you shared her zest in this you would find yourself on anything but a Merry-Go-Round. As an instructor for the Ladies' New Castle exercise class, attendees found themselves at various locations zipping across the second floor of the old Police station to Jack LaLanne, or whizzing around the Goodwill Fire Company community room, and if in the summer months, exercise class was moved to the Clayton poolside.
Her energy never failed and in her later years she enjoyed thrifting and shopping, dining out at restaurants, and hopping around to visit family and friends as often as she physically could.

Her love of service to others was spent during her time as a member of the New Castle United Methodist church, where she was member for over 70 years. Lois served on the Funeral Committee where she provided home cooked luncheons to families who had lost their loved ones. Additionally, she shared her love of crocheting by donating caps for comforting those receiving treatment at the Helen Graham Cancer Center. She loved to give these caps to anyone who wanted one or was in need.

Lois indeed lived a full life and never stopped learning and researching new ideas or hobbies, keeping her mind and spirit young. She loved to read and always had her bible or daily devotional near her- enriching her relationship with Jesus. Her loving heart, gifts of hospitality, joy, laughter, storytelling, and love of all animals- especially goats, will forever remain in our hearts and she will be missed dearly by all her family and friends.

Lois is survived by her children Carol Clayton Foster and Thomas Sr. (Susan), grandchildren Tracy Molloy (Marty), and Thomas Jr. (Becky), great-grandchildren Sara and Nora Molloy, Damon Clayton, Aiden Magee, and Delaney Clayton. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Mackey and many extended family members and friends who all kept a special place in her heart. She is preceded in death by her late husband Albert L. Clayton, granddaughter Christina Clayton, sisters Barbara Lister and Norma Laws, and dear friend Robert McCullough.

A special thank you to all her watchful friends at The Helm who were always on guard keeping a watchful eye on her and were like a second family to her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at St. Peter the Apostle in New Castle, Delaware on December 12, 2025. Friends may call at the church between 10 am - 11-am with a funeral service beginning at 11 am. Interment be will private at the Glebe cemetery immediately concluding the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Goodwill Fire Company #18.