WINTHROP ? Lois Jane (Christopher) Nelson, 73, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2002, with her loving family and devoted friends at her side. Lois was born May 18, 1929, in Winthrop to Maynard and Irma (Simpson) Christopher. She attended Towle Academy and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1947. On May 3, 1951, Lois and the love of her life, Robert John Nelson, of Winthrop and Hollywood Beach, Fla., were married at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. After returning to Maine, Lois was employed by the Kennebec Journal for many years. In 1980, she accepted employment with the Winthrop school system, where she finished her career as the administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools and retired in 1995. Lois had many hobbies, but unquestionably her favorites were knitting and gardening. She unselfishly would spend countless hours of her time teaching friends and newcomers the finer points of the crafts, and her beautiful gardens at home provided hours of enjoyment for friends and family. During the long winter months, Lois was an avid reader and fully supported the Charles M. Bailey Library. Lois is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Robert J. Nelson, of Winthrop; a son, Larz Rodney Nelson of Readfield and his wife, Patrice; a daughter, Jaye Christopher Nelson, of Hulls Cove and her fiance Joseph Hanson. Lois also leaves behind three brothers: Darrel Christopher of Bangor, Michael Christopher and wife, Marcie, of Oxnard, Calif., and Dennis Christopher and wife, Carrie, of Forestdale, Mass. A fourth brother, David John Christopher, predeceased Lois in July 2000. Lois is also survived by her half-sister, Karrel Christopher, of Brookline, Mass. Grandchildren include Heather C. Nelson and Carrie L. Nelson of Tampa, Fla.; Debbie C. Wanser and great-granddaughter, Makayla Ruth, of Lewiston; Karen L. Wanser of Sanford; Lauren P. Wanser of Mount Vernon; and Diane N. Wanser of Readfield; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks, love and appreciation goes out to Lois' very close friends, Mona Baker, Heidi Guerette, Carol Grover, Betty Guerette and Joan Fontaine. There will be no visiting hours or memorial service. Those wishing to remember Lois are asked to provide a donation to the Charles M. Bailey Public Library. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.