LOIS ELAINE HOLMLUND

The beautiful life story of Lois Elaine Holmlund (nee Miller) came to a peaceful ending in the arms of her beloved husband of 60 years, Bruce, at her Fort Frances home on Sunday, March 1, 2015.
The blessed firstborn child of Viola and Linus Miller, Lois entered this world on Nov. 14, 1933 in the Scandinavian community of Erickson, Man.
After graduating from Success Business College, Lois married the love of her life, Bruce, on July 24, 1954.
After the birth of their first daughter, Elaine, in 1955, they moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where Lois and Bruce set their roots and continued growing their family with the births of Heather, Jeffrey, and Shawna.
Lois loved her home in Fort Frances and set forth building a life centered around her family, grandchildren, many dear friends, and deep faith in the Zion Lutheran Church.
Lois was a woman of incredible strength, determination, and kindness, enriching the lives of all she touched in life and as a committed volunteer. Her work in the Kinettes Club, March of Dimes, Arthritis Society, Canadian Foundation for Crohns and Colitis, Shriners Wives, LaVerendrye Hospital Auxiliary, Rainycrest, and the Lutheran Church Women’s League will be long remembered.
Her coffee girls from the neighbourhood, Kinettes, and Safeway were a source of laughter and many wonderful stories.
With Bruce by her side, Lois travelled the world, adventuring through countries as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and many more, but she truly enjoyed her winters spent in Mesa, Ariz. for many years.
The cabin at Bears Pass was Lois’ haven with Bruce, and for 50 years she imparted her children and grandchildren with memories of fishing, gardening, berry-picking, swimming, and card games.
Her story lives on with her husband, Bruce, and through her children and their partners, Elaine and John Garner, Heather and Tom Albani, Jeff and Penney Holmlund, and Shawna Holmlund; as well as seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Lois also leaves behind her beloved brother, Ron (Sheila); in-laws, Mavis Johnson, Dennis and Cheryl Holmlund, and Marlene and Calvin Allan; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dearest friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Viola and Linus Miller; and her great-grandson, Jayden.
Remembrances by way of a celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
Upon her request, her ashes will be interred in private at the family plot in Erickson, Man. at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be directed to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Frances c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
—David Harkins