Obituary of Lois J. Piva

LOIS J. PIVA July 15, 1947 – June 23, 2022 Lois J. Piva of Blooming Grove, New York passed away peacefully at Garnet Health Medical Center on June 23, 2020 after a long illness. Born in Queens, New York to Emily and Chester Piva, Lois graduated from the highly selective Hunter High School and went on the obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education(with Honors in Speech and Theater) from SUNY Oneonta. She then earned a Master's Degree in Theater from the University of Denver. Lois's first teaching position was at Warwick Valley School District. She then moved on to a permanent position in Washingtonville Central School District, where she remained for some thirty years. Beloved by generations of children as well as their parents, Lois taught first grade at Taft Elementary School for many years before moving on to teach kindergarten at Round Hill Elementary School. Due to her continuing love of theater, Lois worked backstage, primarily as a dresser, for many years at local theaters, including at Eisenhower Hall Theater in West Point. Her backstage stories were always highly entertaining, and she was a whiz with a needle and thread to fix any mishap. After retiring from teaching, Lois utilized her teaching skills and her love of dogs to become a dog trainer, and had several cherished canine companions, including Rusty, Rosie, Oliver, and Lady. Her little dogs were always by her side, and she was always ready with a treat for them. Lois was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by many dear friends as well as several cousins. She will be sorely missed. Private funeral arrangements are being arranged by Donovan Funeral Home. To leave a condolence online please visit www.donovanfunerals.com.