Lois, beloved wife of the late William Hammerich, passed away peacefully at Bonnechere Manor on June 30th, at the age of 101 and 4 months.
Born in Montreal, she lived through major technological changes moving from the horse and buggy to laptops. Surviving the sadness of world wars and the Great Depression, she still managed to bring joy to those around her. Always a caring soul, she was the eldest daughter of the six MacKay children (Robert, Gordon , Jean , Margaret and Joyce all predeceased) and took her role of second mother very seriously. She found her love of music early on, graduating from the Royal London Conservatory of Music and was one of the youngest piano teachers starting in her mid-teens. A very gifted artist, she held piano concerts to raise funds for the war effort and taught many students including her siblings, and many of their children. All her students loved her and benefitted not only from her music, but from her TLC and listening ear. She was devoted to family, and although not blessed with children of her own, became a surrogate to her many nieces and nephews, and later to great-nieces and nephews. She was always there to accompany one to a doctor’s appointment or make a cup of tea. Later in life she discovered another great talent- acting. She starred in many amateur productions with the Lakeshore Players, and after her move to Renfrew with the Blue Plate Theatre Group. She even appeared in a movie directed by Paul Almond. Her numerous performances received accolades. As the years passed, she was the stronghold for the family, especially for her sister Margaret, niece Linda (Dr William Cross) and her great-nephew Robert Cross. She has been blessed with the friendship of many, but specifically in her later life by such close friends as Chris Edgar and Joyce Hass. A special thanks to her very dear friend Barbara Bristow for all the loving care and her immeasurable support to Lois and the family throughout the last years.
After a very long life of love and devotion, Lois has touched many and will be sorely missed.
The tender care of Dr Strader and the wonderful staff at Bonnechere has been extraordinary and greatly appreciated.
Professional services have been entrusted to the care of Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew. Due to the constraints caused by COVID-19, there will be a graveside service held at Rosebank Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation would be appreciated. Tributes, condolences and donations can be made online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lois Hammerich June 30 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Renfrew, Province: Ontario