Lois Anderson Obituary

I have so many wonderful memories of Lois. When I was little I always looked forward to the Thanksgivings and Christmases that we spent together. After our holiday dinners we would sit around and play Balderdash and laugh for hours at Lois and Ken's stories. She certainly was a gifted storyteller and never forgot a detail. She loved art, and culture and genuinely loved learning. She didn't just know a little about a lot she knew a lot about everything! I will always remember being a bride's maid in her wedding with Karly. There will always be good memories of St. Ignatius, even if politics tend to interfere. It brought us closer as friends, allowing us to see one another every Sunday. I'm so glad I got to see Lois before I moved to Hawaii, she still looked great and had her same spunky sense of humor. Lois was like a grandmother to me. She was always honest with her thoughts, though respectful and dignified. She was one classy lady and she was loved greatly by me and my family. She will be greatly missed.

A few weeks ago I was sitting with Lois in her living room, she in her favorite chair and I on her floral print couch, watching television. Despite her weak condition, she continued to dress for guests, fix her hair, and prepare for the arrival of friends as she always had: looking her best and ready to share the comforts of her home. We were watching her favorite television show, "Whose Line is it Anyway" when a commercial came on for Mel Gibson’s, "The Passion". I asked her if she had any interest in seeing the film, to which she replied, " No, I don't think so. I'll be seeing him in person soon enough". We looked at each other and burst out laughing, which we did often.



Lois believed in laughing everyday and nothing made her happier than sharing her humor and outlook on life with kindred spirits. She liked people who were a little " off-beat" and down- to-earth. She liked common folk with big hearts and cheerful dispositions. Folks just like her.



We often talked about the bonds of friendship and family, the bittersweet joys of living independent lives as single woman, and whenever I felt lonely, I would call her first. There were years when that was everyday and times when it was only twice a week. No matter, she was always there, encouraging me to go on and reminding me that I came from a long line of strong women. She was proud of her family roots and passed along a legacy that will continue to keep me strong and proud as well. “Life is good if you don’t weaken” , she would say.



Lois was a jokester, a storyteller, and one of the best listeners I've ever known. I'm certain she's keeping the angels in stitches , and already kvetching with my grandmother, Clare. I can hear it now, " Oh Mother!" for Christ's sake- I just arrived here, can I finish my joke about the Pearly gates already?"



Lois had a way of making everyone feel they were the only person that mattered when she was with you. She was intensely curious about the lives of the people she loved. She was my aunt, my mother, my confidant, my best friend and pal.

She was an old soul with a young heart and people of all ages and backgrounds were attracted to her warmth, generosity of spirit, unwavering loyalty, and wisdom.



She loved all animals but especially her dogs. She had a faithful companion as long as I can remember and would talk about all her pets from childhood on: Tawny the boxer, Suki the Schnauzer, Amber the poodle, and Suki II, her current little schnauzer companion. She often said animals had more common sense than most people.



You always knew where you stood with Lois, she was not one to mince words or hide her feelings, but never at the expense of someone's dignity. She pretended not to be forgiving but she truly was. Lois was my number one fan even when I strayed off path and I learned in later years to take her advice without question. Her unwavering faith in my ability to overcome life's obstacles has given me the strength to carry on. That is what she would have wanted, all of us to carry on and make her proud of us.



She told me wonderful stories about my family history, loved to recall amusing stories of our family vacations, and no matter how much time we spent together, was always disappointed when our visits would come to a close. When I'd visit her I'd always have to start my good-byes about an hour earlier than the actual departure time because she wouldn't let me leave. The only exception was if it were getting late and then she's worry about my driving home at night. She'd stand on the stoop, wave good-bye, and say, “ now call me when you get home. Let the phone ring once so I you made it home safely.” She made me feel our time together was too short and in fact, it truly was. Our guiding force and brilliantly lit beacon is now a shining star in the heavens. Now, when I look up at the night sky and see a twinkling star, I'll know it's Lois- telling one of her funny stories and making the angels laugh.

Though I never met my friend Phylane's Aunt Lois, I have heard many times how important she was to her. She was a major bulwark and support and was obviously greatly loved. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.

Lois's service today was lovely. Jean and Phylane did a wonderful job celebrating Lois' life. She truly was a friend to everyone. Lois was my fountain of information about everything and was one smart,kind, and funny lady. She was great with my kids growing up and my Mom growing older. We have so many wonderful mememories. We will miss her very much. I think we can honestly say when they made Lois they threw the mold away. There will never be another quite like her. We loved her.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The Murphy Family

Lois was a unique individual, wise, kind, caring, with a wonderful sense of humor. All of us who were her friends will treasure the memories we have of her.



Pearl and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to her family.