Tribute

Lois Ann (Schroeder) Voigt, 85, of Surrey, British Columbia, passed away on May 28, at Peace Arch Hospital. Lois was born on January 15, 1940, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Gustav and Adelia (Nix) Schroeder. On December 17, 1961, Lois married James Voigt after a courtship of several years and their engagement at Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta during a Western Canada choir trip.

Lois and Jim began life together living in St Louis, Missouri where she worked as a secretary while Jim continued his seminary education. Jim’s education requirements included a year of internship which led to the couple living for a year in Regina, Saskatchewan. Before moving back to St Louis, Lois and Jim made a road trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. It would be the beginning of lifelong travel experiences which would carry them beyond North America and throughout all continents of the world.

After one more year of studies in St Louis, Lois and Jim moved to Wetaskiwin, Alberta. There, Lois gave birth to her two sons, Michael in 1964 and David in 1966. During the five Alberta years Lois switched careers to become a full-time homemaker and caregiver for her children. However, she did get involved with congregation activities including the church choir. In 1970, the family moved to the West Coast, residing in North Vancouver. And with the boys beginning their years of education, Lois slowly moved back into her secretarial career.

In 1975 another move was made to the combined community of White Rock/South Surrey, and it would be her home for the rest of her life. Lois found work as a legal secretary, a career which lasted for fifteen years. With a close friend and partner, Lois became the owner and manager of a new family business, a party and event rental company. Lois would manage this business for twenty-one years, until 2012 when the business was sold and she could now ‘officially’ retire.

Alongside her business and her housekeeping duties, Lois remained active with choir and other activities in her church. Over the years, Lois and Jim enjoyed many leisure activities together. This included skiing in the winter and sailing in the warm months along with all their travels. Lois even went along with Jim’s passion as a rail buff. For sixty-three plus years Lois and Jim had a rich and beautiful relationship as best friends, lovers and partners. They were truly blessed. It can also be said that Lois was a blessing to many people in her community, in her church and through her work.

Lois is survived by her husband Jim; her son Mike and wife Jana; and son David and wife Linda; and by her granddaughter Samantha and husband James; and her grandson Ben and partner Jonny; and grandson Jonathan. Lois’ immediate family all live on the far side of the continent from Prince Edward Island to Maine.  Lois is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Hazel who was born only weeks before her death. Back in Wisconsin, Lois is survived by her sister Ruth, her sisters-in-law Pat and Sue, and brother-in-law Dan. And, of course, there are many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service celebrating Lois’ life will be held on July 5th at the church which was Lois’ home for fifty years, Mt Olive Lutheran in South Surrey. The service will also be carried live on the internet. Times are yet to be set, but details for timing and internet viewing can be found by going to the church’s website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lois’ memory to Canadian Lutheran World Relief via a designated offering to Mt Olive Lutheran Church or clwr.org.