Obituary of Lois Isabell Stinn

February 16, 1928 – November 3, 2022

Born in Oxbow, SK, the second child of Albert and Serena Porter, Lois Isabelle grew up during the Great Depression along with her six brothers and sisters. From Oxbow to Leroy, the family endured great poverty. Albert took a chance and hopped a train to the West Coast. Landing in the Fraser Valley, the family then moved to Chilliwack for a better life. As a young woman, Lois travelled to Vancouver to live, and worked in secretarial and accounting positions. Lois enjoyed her work with Dominion Bridge and often spoke of the many projects they completed. During her early years in Vancouver, Lois met and Married Donald Prince. Together they had Linda Maureen, their beautiful daughter born in November 1950. Lois and Donald were unable to make their marriage work and divorced soon after Linda’s birth. As a single mother, Lois returned to Chilliwack to live with her parents as she raised her daughter and continued to work.

Albert and Serena opened their home to boarders coming through the area to help build the Trans Canada Highway through the Rogers Pass. One such boarder caught Lois’s eye and soon a courtship began. The rough, red neck Albertan, Robert Stinn, was determined to sweep Lois off her feet. He won her heart and the two were married August 11, 1956. The newly married couple soon began their adventure of following the construction and oilfield work throughout B.C. and Alberta. Their first child was a very busy little boy born December 19, 1957, Robert Jay “Bob”. Three years later, Ronelda Jean was born on September 21, 1960. The story of how Ronelda was born while Robert Sr. was away working in Norman Wells, NWT, was the beginning of many, many stories of how Lois handled many of life’s challenges on her own as an Oilman’s/Truck Drivers wife. Roxanne Janine was born August 28, 1961. Lois and Robert made Calgary their permanent home, and the Stinn family moved to Cardiff Drive in Cambrian Heights to live and grow as a family. Rena Jolene arrived the year of Canada’s 100th birthday and on July 19, 1967, the last of the Stinn children were born.

Lois would be considered a pioneer “Super Mom”, as although she was married, life with her husband away working was more common than not. As both mother and father; Lois dedicated her life to being the best of the best at what-ever she did. Her beautiful rose gardens, rock gardens, and vegetable gardens were absolutely amazing. From early morning to late in the evening her hands were creating magic. All the kids on the block and the lucky ones from school who were able to come over for fresh baking raved about Lois’s cookies, muffins, cakes, and pies. The sewing machine in the kitchen put in hours and hours of work as wardrobes for young and old were created. Every year for Christmas we would all get a warm and cuddly flannel nighty pyjama set. We were blessed to have our grad dresses and wedding dress made by mom. Lois was determined to tackle any and all projects that needed to be done around the home, including installing an entire kitchen cabinet set and doing a better job than the contractor and painting and wallpapering every room in the house. If something needed to be fixed, she did it. Above and beyond taking care of our home, she supported all five of her children to pursue their extracurricular activities. Hockey, baseball, swimming, dancing, and music lessons.

Amazing as it all sounds, Lois took the time to contribute to some very valuable organizations throughout her life, such as her position as Secretary to the early Progressive Conservative Party and Peter Lougheed. Lois also provided a valuable contribution to the CWL at Canadian Martyrs Parish. Lois spent many years volunteering to the Cambrian Heights Community Association. Lois gave the world her gift of music and song. Her beautiful Soprano voice could be heard every Sunday Morning gracing the congregation of Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church. Throughout the years Lois trained and performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Choir. If you happened to be walking past her homes or apartments, the sounds of big band, country and classical music could be heard while she sang, worked, or read her many books.

Lois was predeceased by her parents Albert and Serena, sisters, Phyllis, and Rita; brothers, Keith, and Ken; and her husband Robert Joseph. Lois is survived by her five children, Linda (Greg), Robert (Lorraine), Ronelda (Randy), Roxanne, and Rena (Shaun); grandchildren, Tina, Tara, Fawn, Dustin, Clinton, James, Jessie-Mae, Leanne, Roberta, and Isabella; and her great-grandchildren, Brandon, Jaden, Kennedy, Colby, and Aiden. Lois is also survived by her brother Lloyd, and sister Elizabeth, who held a special place in Lois’ heart to the end.

A true survivor of life and love, Lois enjoyed reading, music, bingo, casino, and musical theatres. As she lays her head to rest, she will be lovingly welcomed home by those who have preceded her.

There will be “No Service” at this time. For those who knew Lois, please share a song or a rose with someone you love!

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Lois Stinn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.