Lois McClure, an influential philanthropist and co-founder of the McClure Foundation, passed away at the age of 98 at her home in Shelburne. Her legacy of expanding opportunities for Vermonters and dedication to community service has left an indelible mark on the state.
Born in Burlington on April 12, 1926, Lois McClure was the first of three daughters in a family with a long history in Vermont. Her sense of responsibility and commitment to making a difference were evident from an early age, qualities that she carried throughout her life and work.
McClure and her husband, J. Warren McClure, established The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation in 1995. Over the years, the foundation has awarded more than $16 million to various organizations in Vermont. Carolyn Weir, the foundation’s executive director, emphasized McClure’s vision of creating a better Vermont for all through her philanthropic efforts.
A key focus of the McClure Foundation was to expand access to career and postsecondary education for Vermonters. McClure’s dedication to this cause stemmed from personal experiences of loss and hardship, including the death of her daughter Judy from kidney cancer in 1961. This tragedy led McClure and her husband to deepen their commitment to community service, volunteering for organizations such as the American Cancer Society.
The foundation’s impact extended to medical and educational services, supporting initiatives like the UVM Health Network’s McClure Miller Respite House and VTDigger. One of their most significant contributions was to the Community College of Vermont (CCV), where McClure’s efforts helped establish the Free Degree Promise program. This initiative covered the costs of earning an associate degree or credential for eligible students, removing financial barriers to education.
Joyce Judy, president of CCV, praised McClure’s transformative influence on individuals and families in Vermont. By making education accessible and affordable, McClure’s legacy continues to empower underserved populations and broaden opportunities for higher education in the state.
In recognition of her contributions, McClure and her husband received honorary doctoral law degrees from the University of Vermont and were honored with the prestigious Ira Allen Award. In 2013, McClure was named Vermonter of the Year by the Burlington Free Press, a testament to her tireless dedication to improving the lives of others.
Beyond her philanthropic work, McClure was also a patron of the arts, supporting the Shelburne Museum and contributing to its development. Her efforts included funding the construction of a new visitors center, the relocation of a historic round barn, and the restoration of the steamship Ticonderoga.
As Carolyn Weir reflected on McClure’s legacy, she emphasized the profound impact that McClure’s kindness, generosity, and passion had on Vermont’s communities. McClure’s vision of a better future for all Vermonters continues to guide the foundation’s work, ensuring that her spirit of giving lives on.
In the words of Joyce Judy, Lois McClure’s unwavering commitment to education and community service has changed lives and shaped the trajectory of countless individuals in Vermont. Her legacy is a testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring impact of one woman’s dedication to making a difference.
