Lois Marie (Thelin) Ganoe passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the age of 88 with her family by her side in Everett. The known cause of death was heart attack.
Lois was born on March 21, 1929 in rural Ocheyedan, Iowa. Her parents Harry Thelin and Alma Floan were dedicated, hard-working farmers and when Lois was seven years old they moved west to Cornelius, Ore. to find more promising opportunities. She grew up with her three older brothers Donald, Alvin and Kenneth.
Lois’ hard-working, responsible nature was sparked at a young age. By 10 years old she was cooking dinner for her entire family and taking care of household tasks while her parents worked. As a student, Lois took interest in music, typing and administrative classes.
She enjoyed being a member of glee club in high school and was known as “blondie.”
After graduating Forest Grove High School, Lois began working as a secretary at Carnation Can Co. At this time she met the love of her life, John (Jack) Ganoe. The two exchanged love letters while Jack was away at college and on May 27, 1951 they were married. Jack and Lois started their life together at their first house in Hillsboro, Ore. They had two children, Steven (Steve) and Cheryl (Cheri) and moved several times over the course of 15 years before settling in Tigard, Ore.
In Tigard, Lois enjoyed her involvement in the church, choir and Elks Club, but above all she was a devoted wife and mother. Family was always her priority and joy. After the shocking and devastating loss of her husband in 1979, Lois remained a pillar of strength. She returned to work as a cash office lead for Sears until retirement in 1994.
After retirement, Lois devoted her time to volunteering at her longtime Lutheran church, Christ the King, as well as the American Lung Association. She also stayed quite active and social through her Ladies Supper Club, Camp Menopause and lately, the Red Hat Society. Lois was an avid reader, loved to watch birds off her back porch, and enjoyed maintaining her beautiful rose garden.
In 2013, Lois moved to Whidbey Island to be closer to her daughter and subsequently, her son and his wife JoAnne, who also moved to northwest Washington. During her five years on the island, Lois treasured being so close to her family.
Lois will be remembered as a woman with an endlessly large heart, generous soul, a twinkle in her bright blue eyes and her warm smile.
She was a woman of deep faith who showed unconditional love for her family and friends. Throughout her life, Lois displayed gentle strength, selfless listening, appreciation for the simple things in life and she always enjoyed a good laugh. She is survived by her son, Steven James Ganoe, daughter Cheryl Kay Mayer, two granddaughters, Nicole Adelle Virtue and Alyssa Kay Virtue and her brother, Alvin Thelin.
A memorial service was held at noon on what would have been her 89th birthday, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Ore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lois’ name to the American Heart Association here: http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/LoisGanoe.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sky linememorialgardens.com for the Ganoe family.
