May 18, 1950 – September 25, 2022
at the age of 72 years:
With great sadness we announce the tragic loss of Lois Kaye Schindel (nee Doerkson) in Enderby, BC, on September 25, 2022.
Lois was born in Grande Prairie, AB, and moved with her family to Salmon Arm, BC, at the age of 16. She attended Salmon Arm Senior Secondary and Okanagan College in Kelowna, BC.
Lois was a loving mother of Jason and Lori-Ann; she spent their younger years with them at home before later returning to work. Living in the beautiful Shuswap, they camped often, enjoyed the beaches and spent endless amounts of time with family, whether travelling together or holiday gatherings; family was always around. Lori-Ann will treasure the close irreplaceable friendship she so gratefully shared with her mom.
Lois happily retired from her 35-year dedicated career with Service BC, (formerly BC Government Agent’s Office) in 2008. During her busy retirement years, she would often say she didn’t know how she ever had time to work, and it was always humorous when she thought it was Saturday on a Tuesday. Lois enjoyed art, painting, decorating and design, taking photographs and the peacefulness of birds and nature. She enjoyed reading, writing and playing games, as well as many years of gardening and beautifying her yard with plants.
Grandma/Nana Lois had a loving connection with her grandchildren; they meant the world to her and she let them know it. Fondest memories are her famous pancakes and sugar cookies, trips to the beach, playing outside, dancing to Abba, teaching them how to paint and do crafts, playing Mexican Train and board games (laughing if they cheated), walks on nature trails – analyzing all of the sounds they heard. Her purse mints and gum that tasted like root beer also bring a smile.
Lois was tender-hearted; in her kind, gentle, compassionate and sentimental nature. She was empathetic, expressed encouragement and was an attentive listener who made others feel heard and valued. She was affectionate and we will cherish the gift of her rocking hugs forever. Lois’ care and devotion to her family during their times of need will be warmly remembered.
Lois will be perpetually missed by her family. She is survived by her two children, Jason (Amanda) Schindel and Lori-Ann Gervais (Bob Cassidy); five grandchildren, Memphis, Makena, Sutton, Esme & Arden; mother, Florence Abney (nee Doerkson); sister, Glenda Jones and step-sisters, Judy (Colin) Fothergill and Leona (Jack) Johnson.
Lois is predeceased by her father, Hank Doerkson; step-father, Charles Abney and younger sister, Marlene Pyper (Richard Annesley).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Safe Society.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved mom and grandma, Lois was a friendly and kind woman. May she rest in peace and shine down on you all
My Sincere Condolences!! Your Mom was a Wonderful friend.
My Sincere Condolences! Your Mom was a Wonderful , sweet lady.
May Peace and Love find you Lois, and your family. We enjoyed having you as a neighbour
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On this day of Remembrance and Action I think of your Mother and the kind and gentle women that she was. Have asked the Safe House in Salmon Arm to use the small donation for Art supplies. I am so sorry for your pain and suffering.
To Lois’s family…. I can not tell you how sorry we are that you lost your mom. We live a few doors down from your mom. I feel bad that we only knew her to say hello. Please accept our sincere condolences!
I’m so sorry Lori and your family for your loss of your mom. I remember her as a very kind soul. Take care .
Learning of Lois’s death has brought great sadness. May you be supported in your grief knowing her kind, gentle, loving presence brought joy to so many. I will remember Lois for the strength and wisdom she shared generously.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Enjoyed working with her so many years at the GA office. She was a very patient teacher when I first started there and i admired her grace and empathy with all of her customers. She truly was customer service. She will live on in your memories and in your heart.
So very sorry for the loss of your mom. I truly enjoyed working with her and aspired to enjoy life as she did. No words seem to work for such a great loss. May your memories comfort you all during this difficult time.
Brenda Hunter
I am so sad to learn of the loss of your mom. We had many good times working at the Government office. We enjoyed you and Jason coming into the office to see your mom. She is truly missed.
Jason and Lori-Ann,
I am so sad to learn about the loss of your wonderful Mom. I have so many great memories of both of you and your family starting from 1979. They were the best of times.
Esme Myers