Lois W Monroe

Mrs. Malcolm Monroe, 88, died on May 28, 2007, in Riverdale, NY. She taught in the Valhalla school system, was also a Red Cross hospital worker overseas during World War II, an active member of her church and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a member of the DAR. She was known for her friendship, sense of humor and varied interests.

Born in Topeka, KS, June 5, 1918, she grew up in Minneapolis, MN where she graduated from University of Minnesota in 1940. Mrs. Monroe started her teaching career in Atwater, MN.

In October 1942, Lois was accepted by the American Red Cross to go work with the armed forces in World War II. She was assigned to the 298th General Hospital working in recreational therapy. The unit was sent to Normandy in July of '44 and later assigned to operate a tent hospital during the winter of 1945 near Liege, Belgium. Her unit was frequently subject to enemy bombing. After one episode, her tent mates counted 27 shrapnel holes in their tent.

A young captain proposed their marriage before their units might be sent different places. Lois White and Malcolm Monroe of White Plains, NY, had been seeing each other since the time her unit was deployed to France. They were married in Belgium in April, 1945.

Returning to the U.S. to White Plains, Mrs. Monroe was active in the Memorial United Methodist Church and scouting. Later, she earned a Masters degree at Columbia University and resumed teaching. In 1980 they moved to Andes, NY, for a slower pace of life. Mrs. Monroe later returned to White Plains after her husband's death.

Surviving are her daughter Rosemary Monroe of New Rochelle, NY, sons William of Hartsdale, NY, Duncan of Lewes, Delaware, and Andrew, of Midlothian, Virginia and two grandchildren, Duncan MacFarlane Monroe of Midlothian and Sara Lyuba Monroe of Lewes.

Private burial will take place in Andes, NY on June 2nd.