Lois Ann (Ward) Contino

Lois Ann Contino, recently of Acacia Village, Utica and formerly of Dolgeville passed away on Tuesday morning, May 3, 2022, following a lengthy battle with cancer.    

She was born on December 1st, 1932 in Little Falls, the daughter of Albert and Blanche Ward of Salisbury, NY.  Lois graduated from Dolgeville High School in 1950 and went on to achieve a degree in Nursing from Faxton School of Nursing, Utica, NY in 1953. As a registered nurse, she was then awarded a Med-Surgical Fellowship to study Operational Techniques at the Polyclinic in New York, NY.  

Lois married Domiano V. Contino at St. Joseph’s Church in Dolgeville, NY on April 22, 1956 and they shared a blessed union of 65 years. Together they raised seven children in the home she loved on Spencer Street.  

A dedicated nurse, Lois maintained her professional RN license until she was 80 years old.  She began her nursing career in New York City where she worked as an operating room nurse at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital.  Her devotion to her family led her to return to the Mohawk Valley in 1955 where she was employed as a Pediatric Supervisor at Faxton Hospital in Utica.  After her marriage and while raising her family, Lois continued to follow her passion for helping others.  She worked as a per diem nurse at Little Falls Hospital, then as the Dolgeville Deputy Village Nurse in the 1960’s then becoming Village Nurse several years later.   In 1974, Lois was appointed to serve on the Rome Development Center Board of Visitors by Governor Rockefeller and was reappointed to serve an additional term by Governor Carey.  Lois became School Nurse for Dolgeville Central School in 1980, a job she enjoyed for 17 years until her retirement (although she continued as a substitute nurse for the district for many years). She also volunteered to act as an advocate for individuals with special needs, and, of course, helped in the family business, Contino’s Foods.  

Lois was a member of the New York State Nurses Association and the Nurse Network and volunteered for the American Cancer Society. She was an active member of the Salisbury Historical and Dolgeville Historical Societies, and was proud to have been named Dolgeville Violet Festival Royalty along with her loving husband in 2012. She also acted as an election inspector.  Lois valued her many long-time friends from Dolgeville and Salisbury; from her days at Faxton Nursing School; along with her new friends at Acacia Village, Utica NY.   

People who knew Lois would describe a sweet, strong and loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoyed quiet walks down the old railroad tracks near her home, jigsaw puzzles, scrabble games and playing cards. Grandma LoLo was always ready to do some emergency repair on a stuffed animal in need and was appreciated for her keen ability for social observations and a sense of humor.   

Lois is survived by her seven children: Anne Marie Contino of Whitesboro NY, Kathy Contino-Turner and partner, Wayne Turkowski of Ilion NY, James Contino and wife, Dawn of Camus WA, Michael Contino of Henderson NY, Linda Lamb and husband, Wade of Ilion NY, Mark Contino and wife, Cullin of Spokane WA, and Carol Vogel and husband, Andrew of Little Falls NY.   She loved and was extremely proud of her 11 grandchildren: Alysa Turner, Erin Turner, Catherine Contino, Emily Harris, Caroline Contino, Kevin Contino, Thomas Contino, Nathan Contino, Evan Lamb, Caitlin Contino and Kyle Contino. Lois had a special bond with her dear cousin, Edward Wardner and his wife, Virginia of Holland Patent.  She was predeceased by her husband, Domiano and her son-in-law, Paul Turner. 

Calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf St, Dolgeville, NY. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM at the funeral home on Monday, June 6 followed by internment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband.   

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Salisbury or Dolgeville Historical Societies, or your favorite charity, noting on the contribution, “In memory of Lois Ann Ward Contino”. 

The Contino family would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion for Lois and for making her last days with her family as comfortable as possible. 

To leave a message of sympathy for the Contino Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois Ann (Ward) Contino, please visit our floral store.