Lois passed peacefully in her 92nd year. We can only imagine the reunion as she meets her husband Archie and her Caldwell siblings in heaven. She is survived by her sons Clayton (Carla), Murray (Janet) and daughter, Aimee (Gary) and her grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud, Kyle, Taylor, Carson, Kelly, Andrew, Keegan, Aimee, and great-grandchild Jaxon.
Lois was born in Cranbrook, BC to Harry Jesse Caldwell and Lilian Mary Isabel Caldwell. She survived all of her siblings, Helen, Jack, Harry (Bud), and Margaret (Peggy). She often said “I was born in the depression, and even though we were very poor I never ever felt poor”. This might explain going through life with grace, appreciating the simple things, especially her family.
An elementary teacher for over thirty years in Victoria, she touched many lives. With her hair grey at 30 (twins can do that to you), many of her students thought she was much older than she was. She would often bump into previous students who were surprised she was still alive, and that was forty years ago!
After retiring, Archie and Lois enjoyed traveling (especially England and Ireland), cruising, and heading south to their winter getaway in California. They did this for many years.
Lois’ faith was always very important to her. She was an active member of Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church for many years. She spoke often of her special friends from church.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Keith and the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their outstanding care and support. Due to current circumstances, a family only service is planned, where Lois will be laid to rest next to Archie. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Helen Rose
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Linda Griffin (Armour) Clayton, Murray, Aimee and Families, I feel like I know you all three of you. I had your mom as a teacher in grade six at Cedar Hill elementary and she use to tell us stories of what you three were doing pretty much daily. At this time she was co teaching with the principle Mr. McKinnon. I also remember her as my kindergarten teacher at Doncaster Elementary. I have a lot of good memories of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you Mrs. Shold.
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Lois Fernyhough Mrs. Shold was my grade six teacher at Cedar Hill Elementary School (which joined Braefoot that year, 1970 or 1971). I’ll never forget my surprise when she told me that we shared the same first name! She was a wonderful person. I’m sorry to hear of her passing, but by all accounts she lived a life of love and fulfillment. My thoughts are with you at this time.
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Janet Mitchell Dear Family,
We were sorry to learn that Lois had died. She was a kind, gentle, lovely lady. We would have many chats with her over the years at church. When I had breast cancer I told her that instead of saying, “Why me” that I said, “Why not me” as there were so many women that had breast cancer. Lois told me that she had mentioned this to Aimee when she too, had breast cancer. I would find out how Aimee was doing and was very pleased to hear that she did well and became a survivor. Lois and I would talk about our challenges in life. Lois was so good to Archie. When he died there was a snowfall and Andrew got to work to clear the parking lot. Lois was so appreciative of that and often would tell me how helpful he had been.
Wonderful memories of Lois will always stay with you. We will miss her at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church but will be thankful for the years we knew her. Lois is now at peace.
Hope you have a good family gathering and have plenty of time to talk and remember Lois.
Sincerely,
Janet and Andrew Mitchell
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Hilda Gouldie My deepest sympathy to all the family, I have known Lois for many years as we taught school in Victoria for many years. Often When Gordon and I went south for the winter we would visit Archie and Lois many times. Gordon is also at peace now. I remember all the fun times we had together.
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Helen Morrison Dear Clayton, Murray, and Aimee,
Our most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Mother. Mum really valued their life-long friendship from their school days together in Cranbrook and loved keeping abreast of your family news. May the many wonderful memories you have of Lois sustain you as you mourn her passing. Hers was indeed a life well-lived and well-loved.
Warmest regards, Margo and Helen Morrison
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Helen Morrison Dear Clayton, Murray, and Aimee,
Our sincere condolences as you mourn the loss of your very dear Mother. As you know, my Mum and Lois were friends from their school days together in Cranbrook. They were alike in many ways — including devotion to family, the Presbyterian Church, and to teaching. Mum really valued their life-long friendship and enjoyed keeping abreast of your family news. She was extremely saddened to learn that Lois was no longer a phone call away. May the many wonderful memories you have of Lois sustain you as you mourn her passing. I remember her kindness, her graciousness, and her cheerfulness. Hers was indeed a life well-lived and well-loved. Best, Margo and Helen Morrison
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Berna Ruffell I would like to offer condolences to the family on behalf of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers Association. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
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Peter Boldt Dear Clayton and Murray,
I note in the T/C Obits that your mother has passed away. Your parents were very good to us when we first came here from Alberta and Alma and I were very grateful. Their contribution to the Couple’s Club was always positive and well considered.
I remember being your Sunday School teacher. Sandy McNeel-Caird talked me into it as I feltI wasn’t good enough
I am 97 now and it won’ be long before I join Alma and Marion.
Will Clayton join us in Victoria soon? The weather is more salubrious .
I would appreciate a visit so I can get caught Upr on the news.
Cheers and Blessings,
Peter B,
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Pat McConnachie Clayton, Murray, Amiee and families
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I would always find out how she was when I would visit my Auntie Hilda. She was a great friend to her.
Thinking of you all
Pat McConnachie
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Sharron Riddle We will be thinking of you all, and sending our love. I am so glad that Ethan and I got to spend time with Aunt Lois last fall. She may have slowed down, but her wit was as sharp as ever. She was a true gem and will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Much Love, Sharron, Jack & Ethan
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DODIE KREPPS MY DEAR,DEAR BUDDY. WE BATCHED TOGETHER WHILE TEACHING IN VICTORIA. THAT WAS FUN,FUN,FUN. WE WERE TOGETHER WHILE HOLIDAYING DOWN SOUTH IN THE WINTERS. THERE WERE ALWAYS CONNECTIONS WHICH I CAN RECALL SO FONDLY. THEN BEST OF ALL WE WENT ON MANY GREAT CRUISES TOGETHER. I HAVE SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES !! HAPPY SAILING LOIS.
LOVED YOU SO MUCH LOIS.
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Darlene Crawford Loved your Mom! She was always smiling, always upbeat. She was the sunshine, in our Sunshine lunch. I will truly miss her.
My heartfelt condolences. The Lord give you peace.
Sending my condolences, Clayton and Murray for your Mother’s passing; always so sad to loved a loved. one. Take care, hugs, Helen (Paterson) Rose