LOIS ELIZABETH HECTOR

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LOIS ELIZABETH HECTOR

Peacefully, on August 15, 2020, Lois Hector passed away with her family by her side, at age 86.
Lois was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Glen, her parents, Kathleen and Carl Wullum, her stepfather, Bill Fitzsimmons, her siblings, Shirley and Carl, and her daughter-in-law Mary. Remaining to remember her lovingly are her three sons, Ron (Sheila), Carl (Kathy), and Gerry (Laurie), her grandchildren, Emily (Tim), Olivia (Graham), and Andrew (Natasha); her siblings, Phyllis, Fay, and Neil; and many nieces and nephews.
Lois was born on March 31, 1934, in Lac Vert, Saskatchewan. Her family moved to Winnipeg when Lois was a young girl, and she grew up in the city's North End. In 1952, she met the love of her life, Glen, at the Winnipeg Roller Rink, where they enjoyed hours of fun. They wed three years later, on August 27, 1955. Lois was a devoted, selfless mother to their busy three boys, whom she and Glen raised on Sydney Avenue in East Kildonan. It was there where the family would cultivate love and respect for each other, and where important life lessons were learned. This remained their beloved family home for 65 years.
After staying at home to raise her sons, Lois worked in the linen department of The Bay downtown, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her colleagues. Lunch dates with The Bay ladies ensued in retirement, fostering valued friendships for years. She was an active, longtime member of Immanuel United Church, and she appreciated this community and all those with whom she connected there. Lois and Glen's active lives included Rummoli parties, round dancing and bowling, all the while enjoying the company of family and friends. They ventured on several bus tours across North America and were delighted to visit Scotland and the relatives there.
Lois' caring and fun-loving nature was best displayed in her role as an enthusiastic, supportive grandmother. She nurtured her three grandkids as though they were her own, teaching them to read, performing countless school pick-ups and babysitting shifts, convening games, and hosting sleepovers. Grandma and Grandpa's house was always a safe, warm second home, where we all felt deeply beloved. This relationship only grew stronger through the years, and Lois was so proud of the fine young adults her grandchildren have become.
Lois was the consummate caregiver to everyone around her; with her at the helm, no one ever went without. Family and friends were the lucky recipients of the comfort food and treats that she lovingly provided, and she left many legendary recipes for us to enjoy. She was cheerful and determined in the face of obstacles, and she met every challenge with her trademark pragmatism and competence. In particular, she shepherded Glen through his struggle with dementia with grace, patience, and compassion, providing him with dignity and comfort in the face of his decline. This kind of care was quintessentially Lois. though she was practical in nature, Lois was unfailingly loving, sensitive, and tolerant. She reserved judgement in favour of open-heartedness, welcomed all who walked in the door, and kept a quiet, tenacious faith that guided her moral compass. While she lived unpretentiously, her life was an extraordinary example of putting principles into action, day in and day out, with no need for fanfare or celebration, tenets of modesty, humility, service, and generosity. Her heart was big and pure, and we all felt ensconced in its love till the very end.
The family would like to thank Dr. John Rabson for his outstanding and compassionate cardiac care over many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel United Church (755 Golspie St., Winnipeg) or a charity of choice.
A private Celebration of Life will be held.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2020