Lois M. Mcdonald

Lois Marie McDonald, revered matriarch of the McDonald family, mother of nine, beloved grandmother, a woman of faith and dear friend to many, passed away in peace at Ebeid Hospice after a brief illness. She was 97 years old.

Her children marveled as they saw her lead her life in two acts. First as a devoted wife and mother. She cooked, sewed, crocheted, washed clothes, packed lunches and cleaned, often with her hair pulled up under a bandana while she sang along to her favorite big band music. Lois was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for many years and made sure all of her children were exposed to religion. She saw her children grow to adulthood while suffering the loss of her beloved daughter Cherie (1983) and dear husband, Edward (1997).

Then came Act Two. She threw away her apron and traveled the streets of Toledo with her friend (and driver) Barb. They attended craft shows, plays, musicals, senior expos, senior days at Andersons and sales at Elder Beerman, lunched with friends and played on the church volleyball team. They joined a gym and exercised regularly where Lois made a whole new set of wonderful friends who considered her their second mom. She continued to Zumba with them well into her 80’s. Lois also continued to use her expert seamstress skills to make toys, blankets and other gifts for family and friends. During this period the family provided her with a cell phone because she was impossible to find! Lois took to cell phone use quite well, enjoying text messaging and attaching cute and appropriate emojis.

Lois was a petite woman with a large and giving heart. She treated everyone with respect and kindness. She was always so very appreciative of anything anyone did for her. From taking her to birthday parties, graduation parties, showers, or just coming over for dinner, she voiced her appreciation for everything. All of her family and friends have agreed for years (this isn’t just grief talking) Lois was the nicest person any of us have ever met. We will be lost without her but will always attempt to channel her spirit of joy and kindness as we continue on in life.

Preceding her in death are her husband of 49 years, Edward McDonald; daughter, Cherie Ostrander; brother and sister-in-law Clayton and Delores Lawson; sons-in-law, Bob Ostrander, Dennis Mulkey, Tom Lynn and best pal, Barb Eilert. Lois is survived by children, Tim (Carol), Shawn (Tom) Poprocky, Mark (Bobbi), Sandy Mulkey, Shirley Lynn, Scott, Ed (Judy) and Brian (Angie). She leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Our thanks to the tremendous staff on the 8th floor of Toledo Hospital. Your care for Lois was exceptional. Also, many thanks to her neighbor, Margie Perzynski who always watched over our mom with loving friendship.

Lois requested that no funeral be held but hoped her family would gather for a celebration of her life. That we will do Lois, you can count on it.

To share a memory of Lois or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.