Lois Evelyn Medhurst (nee Carlson), 82, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday March 18, 2015 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born March 16, 1933 in Fort Frances, the daughter of Anna and Adolph Carlson. She was baptized on March 25, 1934 and confirmed Sept. 28, 1947 in the Zion Lutheran Church, where she was an active lifetime member.
She attended Robert Moore School and graduated from Fort Frances High School.
After school and during summer vacations, Lois worked at McLeans Wholesale. In 1951, she was employed by the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company.
On Sept. 5, 1953, she was united in marriage to Douglas Medhurst. In the summer of 1954, they moved to Atikokan, Ont., where the family made their home for nine years.
While in Atikokan, Lois was a member of the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served as pianist for six years. She also was a member of a very popular ladies’ singing group called “The Northernaires.”
In 1963, the family moved to Dryden, Ont., where they resided for six years. Doug was transferred again, this time to Kenora for two years, and then it was back home to Fort Frances in 1971, where she has lived since.
Lois has been a member of the Zion choir since 1971, serving as choir director. Organ music was her passion and the choir her extended family. She spent many happy hours of singing and playing.
She also enjoyed volunteer work at Rainycrest and La Verendrye Hospital, as well as get-togethers with family and friends.
Lois is survived by her husband, Doug; their children, Paul (Lorri) of Squamish, B.C. and Kathleen-Anne Scholten (Ted) of Fort Wayne Ind.; grandchildren, Jenny, Kelsey, and Travis Medhurst, and Joshua and Jeremy Scholten; sister-in-law, Pat Walden of Kelowna, B.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her son, John, in 1975; parents, Anna and Adolph Carlson; mothers-in-law, Nellie Medhurst and Clara Medhurst; father-in-law, Hubert Medhurst; brother, Ray Carlson; sister-in-law, Edith Carlson; brother-in-law, Harry Walden, and special family member, Fred Grozelle.
Cremation has taken place and Lois’ urn will be placed with her son, John.
A memorial service was held Monday, March 23, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
The pallbearers were Ken Kellar, Barb and Mike Asplund, Tammy and Keith Kellar, Mona and Brian Avis, and Loneta and Al Robertson.
The honourary pallbearers were the Zion Lutheran Church Choir.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1105 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1E1.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com