Obituary of Lois Marilyn Peters (nee Closs)

Of London, Ontario passed on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London. Lois left this world peacefully and with much love surrounding her, following a battle with lymphoma. Born September 20, 1930 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, she was the only child of the late Adah Closs (nee Silverthorn) and Lorne Closs. Lois is survived and greatly missed by her husband of 61 years, Melville Peters, and her daughter, Patricia (Anne-Marie) of Guelph. Teacher, singer and volunteer, Lois was an active, outgoing woman who enjoyed her family, friends, and her gardens. Lois began her teaching career in 1949 in a one-room schoolhouse near Chesley, Ontario. Following her marriage to Mel in 1953, Lois taught in Owen Sound, then Ottawa, and finally in London. A classroom teacher and a music teacher at the elementary level, Lois touched the lives of hundreds of students. Not one to shy away from challenges, Lois completed her BA at the University of Western Ontario as a mature student, while working full-time. Retirement from teaching in 1990 gave Lois and Mel the chance to travel, often enjoying bus trips to local and far-away destinations. A highlight for them was their cross-country bus trip through the southern US to California. A beautiful vocalist, Lois sang in her first church choir at the age of 13, in Meaford, Ontario. She participated in high school musicals, plays and glee clubs, and was a member of several community choirs, such as the “Owenaires” in Owen Sound and the “Perryettes” in Meaford. Lois led many church and school choirs, competed in countless music festivals, and sang at weddings and other events. A natural “director” in spirit, Lois was a dedicated volunteer over the years. She gave her talents and time to numerous aspects of the United Church, including the United Church Women (UCW), where she served as President; to the cherub and junior choirs, which Lois conducted for several years; to the Senior Choir, which she happily sang in until the age of 82; and to the Paper Rollers (a cheerful group of newspaper recyclers). Similarly dedicated to the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE), Lois served as London’s Municipal President for four years and was instrumental for 16 years in the organizing and running of the London IODE garden tour. A more recent volunteer experience which gave Lois much happiness was the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO), where she combined her love of music and people into conducting a choir of loyal singers, and serving as entertainment chair for the RWTO convention in London. It is with deep sorrow that we say goodbye to Lois. But we are forever grateful to have shared our lives with her for these many years. She will be missed. The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staff of the London Regional Cancer Program, particularly to Dr. Ian Chin-Yee and the Hematology Department; to the home care and palliative programs of CCAC; to Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his palliative team; and to St. Joseph’s Hospice, where Lois spent her final weeks in the caring hands of wonderful staff and volunteers. The family will receive visitors on Monday, November 17, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a celebration of Lois’ life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cancer Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, or to the REnew Campaign at Riverside United Church.