December 13, 1936 – October 22, 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of Lois Anne Caldwell, 89, announces that she passed away ever so peacefully at home on Thursday, October 22, 2026, surrounded by the support and love of her family, amid the reverent sound of wind chimes.
Lois was born December 13, 1936, in LaVallee, Ont., to Florence (Caul) and Joseph Drennan. Lois grew up on Frog Creek on the Drennan dairy farm. She left high school in Grade 11 and moved to Winnipeg, where she attended Marvel Beauty School, Canada’s first hairstyling and esthetics school. When she graduated, she came home and worked at the Denisalon in Fort Frances.
Through mutual friends, Lois met and eventually dated Bruce Johnson Caldwell. They were married on August 23, 1958, in Fort Frances and they danced and travelled through life together for almost 64 years, until Bruce’s passing in 2022.
Mom spent many years raising their two children, Beth and Jay. She also became a master gardener and gourmet cook. She loved to host parties for her friends, where the food was spectacular and the social interactions made for long-lasting memories. Making dishes she had never tried before was her passion, and she did it so very well. With the invention of the Internet and the ability to print recipes, hundreds of new meals became available to try, and many of us enjoyed the delicious outcome of her efforts.
Lois was a pro when it came to sewing. She made countless pieces of clothing – everything from underwear to winter coats – and could also re-upholster furniture with perfection. Many Butterick and Simplicity patterns were pinned in place, cut, and sewn into clothing for the family.
In 1979, Mom stepped away from her homemaking career and became a Justice of the Peace, spending 22 years in service to the Ontario Court of Justice.
Lois and Bruce discovered the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, in 1987. The event brought them so much joy. This yearly event became their main travel destination every January, and they attended more than 25 times. They made so many friends and listened to real-life cowboys and ranchers reciting poetry and tales. The event in Elko also hosted cooking classes, which they both eagerly attended.
Mom loved her husband, her children, and all of her family so very much.
Mom loved eagles and ravens and Gerbera daisies. She loved a good glass of red wine, black licorice, popcorn, and she made the best egg salad sandwiches on the planet. She knew all the old ways and believed in utilizing common sense. Mom loved country classic music. Willie Nelson and Ian Tyson had her vote every time. Listening intently to the lyrics that touched her soul brought her so much joy.
One of her favourite pastimes was her afternoon get-togethers with the Crick Chicks, whom she loved like sisters.
Lois is survived by her daughter Beth Caldwell (Thane Grewatz); son Jay Caldwell (Tanice Marcella); five grandchildren, Megan Zachozy (Vance), Colleen Zachozy (Jona), Heather Zachozy, Amanda Caldwell (Donovan), and Dustin Holtz (Nicole); and six great-grandchildren, Adam, Bentley, Julie, Harley, Wyley, and Charlie.
Lois was predeceased by her husband Bruce; her parents Florence and Joe Drennan; and her brother William (Bill) Drennan.
A funeral service and celebration of Lois’ life will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Knox United Church, beginning at 11 a.m., with June Caul officiating. Cremation has taken place.
The funeral service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/8CF6xdwNj80?si=kzCuSA4foU1THayo.
Honorary pallbearers for our dear Lois will be Georgette Rawling, Lynn Savage, Sharon Bell, Dolly Paxson, Sue Cameron, Vilma Valenzuela, and Rene Rousseau-Winik.
In lieu of flowers, Lois’ family asks that you consider a donation to Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
Our thanks to Paramed for their unwavering home support given to Mom this summer. We give a very special thank you to Dr. Robert Nugent for his gracious care of Mom through the last few months of her life as her physician. Our heartfelt and loving acknowledgement to Dr. Brewster Laxton for his compassion and caring for our mother in her last moments on this good Earth.
Rest in peace Mom, for your “Circle of Life” unfolded in a beautiful journey of no regrets.
