Obituary for Lois Huggins

Lois Huggins (born Lois M. Nyquist in 1932 in Worcester, Massachusetts) passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026 in Dedham, Massachusetts after a brief illness. Her parents, Ellen and Peter Nyquist, emigrated from Sweden and were active in the Swedish community in Worcester where Lois grew up with her four siblings. She attended Worcester State University where she earned Baccalaureate and Masters Degrees in Education. She started her teaching career in Worcester, Massachusetts and then moved overseas to teach in Department of Defense Schools in France and Germany. There she met the love of her life, Roger Huggins, who was a fighter pilot in the US Air Force.  They were married in Basel, Switzerland in 1960 and over the next several years she and Roger built a life together in Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases in Germany and Seymour Johnson Air Base in North Carolina while Roger continued to serve in the US Air Force.

Upon returning to the United States, they settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lois began a teaching career with the Cedar Rapids Community Schools where she touched the lives of countless students over her 30 years of service. She and Roger were fixtures in the educational community of the city and enjoyed social interaction with many friends from this group long after retirement. Roger and Lois were also long-time members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 

Lois was a devoted mother to her children. She encouraged her children to be actively involved in community and school events and never missed a concert, sporting event, talent show, or recital. She also instilled in her children a love of music, literature, and travel — passions they have carried with them throughout their lives.

An exceptional hostess, Lois made holidays and family gatherings truly special. She enjoyed hosting neighborhood parties and creating memorable Christmas celebrations for her family. Lois was also famous for her apple pie that has become cherished staple of every holiday gathering. Never one to shy away from sharing her opinions or telling a good story, Lois filled family conversations with spirited discussions of current events and colorful tales from her life — including the unforgettable story of her tussle with a bear in Yellowstone National Park.

Throughout their 66 years of marriage, Lois and Roger were rarely apart, supporting one another in every endeavor and remaining devoted partners throughout their lives. Retirement brought opportunities for travel, which they embraced together, spending winters in Arizona with good friends, visiting family, and spoiling their seven grandchildren. Their adventures included extended trips to see loved ones in Europe, Japan, and Hawaii, and Lois never missed a chance to shop for shoes and special gifts for the grandchildren. The grandchildren, in turn, always looked forward to the special “Happy Birthday” phone calls from Roger and Lois to mark each of their special days. 

Although she spent many years living in the Midwest, Lois never lost her love of the beach and shared that love with her children through family vacations to the beach every summer. In their later years, she and Roger relocated to Massachusetts to be closer to family, where they continued to enjoy attending frequent family gatherings.

Surviving family members include her husband, Roger Huggins, and her three children; Jeff Huggins (Charlene) of Arlington, VA, Jane Danehy (Frank) of Norwood, MA, and Jon Huggins (Catherine) of Middletown, RI. She was also a grandmother of seven children spread across the US and Europe; Charlie and Katie Huggins, Erik and Laura Danehy, and Philip, Ellen and Jack Huggins. Additionally, she is survived by sister-in-law Mary Huggins of Spokane,WA, niece Janice Olson of Petersham, MA and nephew John Nyquist of Chicago, IL.

She was preceded by her older four siblings: Carolyn Olson, David Nyquist, Paul Nyquist and Philip Nyquist as well as brother-in-law Neil Huggins.

A family service will be held to honor her life will be held at a later date, additional details will be shared when arrangements have been completed. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Cedar Rapids Public Library.  Home | Cedar Rapids Public Library