Lois Lorene Stevenson, age 93, of Seattle, Washington, went to heaven on November 29, 2017.
Born June 26, 1924, in Reese, Michigan, Lois was the daughter of Gurley and Thelma (Nally) Bruce. She met her husband Lawrence Stevenson in Ann Arbor, Michigan, when he was completing his mechanical engineering degree, while she was working and attending the University of Michigan. They married on November 28, 1948.
In most ways Lois was a typical mother of her time, taking responsibility for running the home and caring for her 3 children, as they were the center of her world. Lois was always a loving, caring, and thoughtful mother. She was extremely artistic; painting, sewing, knitting and crafts. Often was hired by friends to create and sew clothing and event dresses. She was known for her amazing chocolate chip cookies and would always have a fresh batch ready to bake and serve when family and friends visited. She volunteered and was the den mother for both girl and boy scouts. Always organized and provided many years of administrative duties for their residential rental business. She also worked 15 years for the Air Force until retirement.
Lois was an intelligent, determined woman nurtured by a loving extended family despite losing her mother at age 2. She was blessed with loving grandparents, and foster parents Aunt Jim and Uncle Harry Evans. They raised her during her teen years and were truly a gift from God and she felt loved every day. She was an excellent speller and won many spelling bee challenges. After graduating from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan, Lois joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) of the U.S. military, serving at several stateside locations in World War II. She said this was one of the best adventures of her life and she was proud to serve her country.
In addition to her husband of 69 years, Lois is survived by two sons and a daughter: Marc Stevenson (Genie Deutsch) of Kennewick, Washington; Marcia (Arlie) French of Seattle; and Jim Stevenson of Seattle. Lois is also survived by three grandchildren: Andrew French; Alex (Barbara) French; and Abby French, and great-granddaughter Annabelle French. Of all her nieces and nephews, she was most challenged by and enjoyed her many discussions and debates with her nephew, Kenny Kelley.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Bruce, and sister, Annabell Kelley. Throughout her life she leaned on God for support and direction. She was ready to go to heaven and now is peacefully with Jesus. She had a favorite poem and wanted us to remember “… as long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.” She will be greatly missed by all who love her.
The family will schedule a memorial service with military honors, date to be determined.
The family thanks the caring medical staff at Kaiser Permanente, including her longtime family physician, Doctor Oh. The family’s wish is that donations on Lois’s behalf be made to the American Diabetes Association.
