Lois M. Badwan passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026. She was the mother of Rema and Karim Badwan, and Sady Godfrey and Omar Badwan that she loved as her own. (She was also a mother to anyone in need.) Sister to Gayle Milla, Kurt Leslie, and William Leslie.

Lois was born in Worcester, MA and lived in various places throughout her life including Miami, FL, Washington, D.C., Saudi Arabia, Plymouth, MA, and finally Melrose, MA. 

Lois was a nurse and teacher of 50 years. She worked on the Congressional medical team, was head nurse at Madeira School, head nurse at The National Kidney Foundation, and ended her career at Harvard University Health Services.

 Lois loved the Middle East, the people and the culture, especially Palestine where her husband and family were from. It was important for her to champion the Palestinian people. She loved to travel and explore other cultures and did so often.

 Lois was a political junkie, activist, and a lover of all people and cultures. Lois found peace at the beach or looking out at the ocean from her porch. She filled her downtime with gardening, history, art of any kind, long walks, being a docent at Plimouth Patuxet, and entertaining. Lois was strong, smart, beautiful, and above all loving. She was a powerful force right to the very end who will be forever missed and loved. 

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Celebration Of Life will begin at 12:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home. Interment will be private. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend.