It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Tillie Thompson (nee Towle) on February 12, 2024 at the age of 90.
She is predeceased by her parents Alpheus Sargent Towle and Elizabeth L Towle (nee Irwin).
Lois is survived by her sister Rena Verhille (Charles Verhille) and their children Jerianne, Sue, Deborah, Christine and Gary.
She leaves in sorrow her three children Beth Leonard (George Leonard), John Thompson and Kathleen Thompson and her grandchildren Sandy, Josh and Cora Leonard, Kyle and Sheldon Schultz, Camille and Jeremie Neyson along with several great-grandchildren including her beloved Mira Leonard.
Lois is fondly remembered by her dear friend Eva Maertens along with many other friends, some lifelong.
Lois was born at home in St Andrews, New Brunswick and grew up in Oak Bay, N.B. on the Bay of Fundy. She studied in a one room schoolhouse and lived in a house heated by wood stove and no running water. Lois went on to study on full scholarship at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B. earning Cum Laude Degrees in Math and Chemistry. Upon graduation, Lois moved to Ottawa’s Laurentian Terrace Women’s Residence (current location of the National Gallery of Canada) and did research and chemistry publications for the National Research Council on Sussex Dr. She also worked for Defence Research Council (National Defence) until starting her family in 1960. She returned to work in 1971 with Health and Welfare (Health Canada) then worked in biochemistry at the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus for 17 years. In retirement, Lois went on road trips, travelled to Israel, Egypt, China and South America to name the highlights. She loved spending time with family and friends, in nature, animals, gardening, stamp collecting, doing stained glass with Beth, and jokes (good or bad). Lois had an adventuresome spirit and knew how to make the best of whatever life had in store for her. Her warm and infectious smile would light up any room.
Her family would like to thank her caregivers at The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic, General and Queensway Carleton Campuses; The Montfort, Saint Vincent and Elizabeth Bruyère Hospitals; The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre; Greystone Village and in particular her Billings Lodge Retirement Family and Carleton Lodge Long-term Care Family.
Respects can be paid on Friday, March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Service, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. Lois’ Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, followed by a reception. If you are unable to attend Lois’ Celebration of Life in person, you may attend via livestream by clicking on the above tab.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Carefor’s Lets Get Together Club, The Dementia Society or an animal rescue organization of your choice.
Gone from my sight, still in my heart.
Livre de visiteurs
Nancy Wortman
Shirley Finter
I first met my dear neighbor, Lois, while she was walking her little Sheltie dog, Missie in the Carleton Square condo development where we both lived. We shared a love of animals, of walking and chatting about plants and flowers and art and we soon became good friends.
Lois was a very good listener and had a way of drawing me out in conversation. She loved being hospitable too and invited me to celebrations of my birthdays over the years, filling me to bursting with my favorite sweets and gifting me with variety bags of gifts. What a thoughtful, gentle, loving and cheerful friend to have close by.
When Tony and I moved to an apartment farther west in the city, our visits were fewer, but we kept in touch with calls and cards and Tony and I much enjoyed packaging up some of his extra international stamps for her collection(s).
I was surprised to learn more about Lois' past work life in the Obituary. She never mentioned her life pre-retirement but lived very much in the present. She was always excited to show me photos of her children and grandchildren that were proudly displayed all over her home. I could tell that she was so well loved too. I did attend an enormous family gathering once ... WOW ... what a legacy. God blessed her bountifully with a large extended family and a long life, albeit one that had some challenging trials, as we all do.
I had the privilege of being able to visit Lois some months ago. It was so good to see my long-time friend again and bask in the warmth of her sweet smile. Gratefully, Shirley Finter
Tanya Schultz Thompson
Losing a parent is never easy, may you find solace in the lovely memories you shared with your mom. With heartfelt condolences from Tanya and Family xo
Cindy Heard
My condolences to Kathleen and family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace....
Chanelle Mainville
Kathleen, my sincere condolences to you and your Family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Take care of yourself. May she rest in peace.
Rafael Jaramillo Correa
Kathleen, my sincere and deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Thinking of you and your family.
Chantal Hurtubise
My sympathies Kathleen and family. Take care.
Justin Halpenny
Kathleen, My condolences to you and family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Leona Gray
Lois and I worked together in the lipid lab of the Nutrition Research Division of what is now Health Canada in the early '70s. We kept in touch after she moved to the Civic campus.
Lois was cheerful and eager to work hard. She was a pleasure to work with.
My condolences to all her loved-ones.
Anna Marangone
Dear Beth and family..so sorry for the loss of your dear mom. A long life well lived. My thoughts are with you. Anna
Lois was my neighbor in Carleton Square. For years every Christmas she would bring me a lovely poinsettia. In the summer she would invite a few of her neighbors over to her backyard for a get-together. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by her family.