Lois Tillie Thompson

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Tillie Thompson (nee Towle) on February 12, 2024 at the age of 90. 

She is predeceased by her parents Alpheus Sargent Towle and Elizabeth L Towle (nee Irwin).

Lois is survived by her sister Rena Verhille (Charles Verhille) and their children Jerianne, Sue, Deborah, Christine and Gary.

She leaves in sorrow her three children Beth Leonard (George Leonard), John Thompson and Kathleen Thompson and her grandchildren Sandy, Josh and Cora Leonard, Kyle and Sheldon Schultz, Camille and Jeremie Neyson along with several great-grandchildren including her beloved Mira Leonard. 

Lois is fondly remembered by her dear friend Eva Maertens along with many other friends, some lifelong.

Lois was born at home in St Andrews, New Brunswick and grew up in Oak Bay, N.B. on the Bay of Fundy.  She studied in a one room schoolhouse and lived in a house heated by wood stove and no running water.  Lois went on to study on full scholarship at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B. earning Cum Laude Degrees in Math and Chemistry.  Upon graduation, Lois moved to Ottawa’s Laurentian Terrace Women’s Residence (current location of the National Gallery of Canada) and did research and chemistry publications for the National Research Council on Sussex Dr.   She also worked for Defence Research Council (National Defence) until starting her family in 1960.  She returned to work in 1971 with Health and Welfare (Health Canada) then worked in biochemistry at the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus for 17 years.  In retirement, Lois went on road trips, travelled to Israel, Egypt, China and South America to name the highlights.  She loved spending time with family and friends, in nature, animals, gardening, stamp collecting, doing stained glass with Beth, and jokes (good or bad).  Lois had an adventuresome spirit and knew how to make the best of whatever life had in store for her.  Her warm and infectious smile would light up any room.

Her family would like to thank her caregivers at The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic, General and Queensway Carleton Campuses; The Montfort, Saint Vincent and Elizabeth Bruyère Hospitals; The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre; Greystone Village and in particular her Billings Lodge Retirement Family and Carleton Lodge Long-term Care Family. 

Respects can be paid on Friday, March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Service, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa.  Lois’ Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, followed by a reception. If you are unable to attend Lois’ Celebration of Life in person, you may attend via livestream by clicking on the above tab.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Carefor’s Lets Get Together Club, The Dementia Society or an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Gone from my sight, still in my heart.