Obituary of Lois Florence Hawkins

March 26, 1946 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

January 20, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Lois Hawkins, beloved wife of Blaine Hawkins of Calgary, AB passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the age of 76 years, due to complications of heart disease. She was third of four daughters born to Joseph Morris and Marie Ann Ida Morris (nee LeFort).

Lois’ family relocated to Calgary when she was at a young age, and she spent her formative years in Calgary. As a teenager, Lois studied Speech Arts and Drama at Mount Royal College and was awarded diplomas as Associate in Speech Arts and Drama from the both the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music (Teacher and Performer) and Mount Royal College (Teacher) in 1965. With other members of the Mount Royal College Speech Department, she taught and performed readings over several years.

Born into a family of teachers, she received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary in 1969 and began her teaching career that year with the Calgary Catholic Schools, teaching English Language Arts and Drama in Junior High Schools.

During her high school years, she met her future husband, Blaine, whom she married in 1969. When children followed, her teaching career was paused as she devoted herself to raising the children. During this time, the family spent several years in Victoria. As the children grew, there were many fun summers at the Shuswap where Lois was involved in managing a seasonal motel. The family relocated to Calgary in 1980.

With the children all in school, Lois began to look at work opportunities again, eventually entering the Records Management world. She would spend over 25 years as a Records Management consultant, developing and managing archival systems for oil & gas and mining companies. Lois retired in 2014, and she and Blaine spent several enjoyable years travelling the Caribbean and Europe with family and friends, as well as continuing the Shuswap summer tradition.

Lois was a devoted and loving mother, caring, compassionate and supportive of family but strong and authoritative when necessary. She was an avid reader of fiction, enjoyed live theatre and travelling.

Unfortunately, the last few years led to increasing health issues for Lois. She became restricted in outdoor and travel activities, having to spend most of her time housebound. She faced her illness with dignity and courage. She died peacefully at home.

Lois was predeceased by her father (1972), mother (2002), and sister Carol Duffy (1986). She is survived by her husband Blaine; children, Cameron Hawkins (Emily Jusino), Tamara Hawkins (Jason Bakowski) and Craig Hawkins; two sisters, Marilyn Sugden (Ted), and Elaine Clarke (Greg); brothers- and sisters-in-law Douglas and Sharon (Hawkins) Smith, Barry McCallum and Marlene Hawkins, Debra (Hawkins) Aiton, Charles Toth and Beverley Hawkins, and Darryl Hawkins; an aunt, Theresa Litschke, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Many thanks to the team of medical professionals who made her last years manageable, in particular to Dr. Jean Rawling, Dr. Patrick Champagne, Dr. Derek Chew and Tanis Lane (Cardiac Nurse).

At Lois’ request there will be no service. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/, 2300 Yonge St., Suite 1200, Box 2414 Toronto ON M4P 1E4, 1-888-473-4636. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Lois Hawkins, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.