Cherry Grove’s Lois McIntosh, longtime life partner of Meryl Facterman, with whom she founded Cherry’s on the Bay and produced the first Doctor’s Fund Benefits there, passed away on September 30, 2014 – not even a year ago. “Lois Mac” was a much-loved figure in the life of our community for the last half-century. 

She had been a gym teacher and coach, and a bartender in New York’s lesbian bars in the 1950s before coming to Cherry Grove 1960 as a bartender at the Sea Shack. 

Later she was hired by Jimmy Merry at the Ice Palace who was dazzled (and surprised) that a woman was that fast behind the bar.  She and Meryl founded Cherry’s which they ran until 2006 when they became managers of the Tides, on the site of the Monster, for several seasons.  Then they retired to Merlo, their lovely house on the bay, for much needed rest and relaxation. 

Lois’s sweet toughness and smarts earned her the friendship and affection of many young men and women here.  “She was so encouraging to so many people her,” said Meryl. “She was loved.”

On Pride Day this year, so many of her friends crowded into Cherry’s for a Memorial Remembrance of Lois Mac – Charity, as mistress of ceremonies, and Donna Piranha, Porsche, Bella, Ivana, Demi, Gusty, Panzi, and of course, Johny Pool all delivered musical tributes. The entrance to Cherry’s was renamed “Lois Lane” in her honor.