Oneonta – Lois T. Porteus, 89, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025 at A.O. Fox Hospital with her family by her side.

She was born September 6, 1935 in Oneonta, the daughter of Howard and Mary (Smith) Thompson.

She was a graduate of Oneonta High School and SUNY Delhi receiving an Associate's Degree in Secretarial Science.

Lois married Thomas Porteus on November 1, 1958.

Lois was a switchboard operator for A.O. Fox Hospital. She then worked for several local businesses as a bookkeeper. She retired from The Town of Oneonta, where she served as the Deputy Town Clerk for many years.

She was dearly known as Mrs. Claus for her large collection of Santa Claus memorabilia. Lois enjoyed volunteering for her son's youth sports. She also enjoyed the many bus tours she took with friends and family.

She is survived by her sons, Jeff and Victoria Porteus of Davenport and Kevin Porteus and Mary Beth Jensen of Buffalo; Grandchildren, Sunny and Jonathan McDermott, Brittany and Jacob Baxendale, Connor Porteus, and Kyle Porteus; Great-grandchildren, Aurora, Morgan, Johnny, and Aubrie.

The family would like to acknowledge the ongoing companionship and loving care of Lois's niece Pat (Clapp) Krupper, for whom Lois held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Thomas and her sister Ellen Clapp.

There will be a brief graveside service at 11:30 a.m Saturday, November 15, 2025, at The Plains Cemetery, Oneida Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. John Buddle officiating. Following the service the celebration will be held at the Little Red School House Community, 516 County Highway 11, Oneonta. We anticipate this to begin around 12:30.

A light lunch will be available, including some of Lois's favorite soups, made by family members.

Arrangements are entrusted with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta; www.lhpfuneralhome.com