Obituary of Lois Winnifred Solinger

March 19, 1926 - Didsbury, Alberta

February 8, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

The family of Lois Solinger is saddened to announce her passing on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Lois was born to Harold and Ada Brennan on March 19, 1926, in Didsbury, AB, the eldest of four daughters.

As a young girl, Lois rode a retired chuckwagon horse to school and eventually earned the responsibility of hitching the wagon and getting her younger sisters to school and back. In 1940, the family moved to Hamilton, ON.

After the war, Lois ventured to Banff, skiing weekends at Mount Norquay and Sunshine and working weekdays at Eaton’s.  Lois later travelled to California to help care for her widowed uncle’s young children. After, she travelled back to Hamilton by bus through the Southern and Eastern USA. Lois enjoyed golfing and continued skiing, ultimately winning a women’s downhill ski event in 1950.

Lois met Ralph at Grand Bend Beach in the summer of 1950. At the dance that night, she saved the last dance for Ralph and the rest was history. They were married on December 27, 1952, and settled in Niagara Falls, where they joyously welcomed sons, Rob (Evie) and Rick (Margaret).

In 1967 the family moved to Calgary. Lois loved the Stampede, and for many years volunteered with Ralph on the Creative Living and Western Art Show Committee.

While in Calgary, Lois started multiple bridge clubs which continue to operate to this day. Her passion for duplicate bridge included playing, teaching, and directing. She ultimately achieved the rank of Life Grand Master.

In 1975, Ralph and Lois started their own company, which was successfully operated for many years, and later sold the business to their dedicated employees.

In retirement, Lois and Ralph cruised the seas with family and friends; together they saw the world one port at a time.

She is survived by sisters, Jo (Lorne) Parkinson and Lorraine (Al) Neumair; and was predeceased by sister Eleanor (Ken) Griffiths.

Lois was elated to have eight grandchildren: Nicole (Craig) Campbell, Jared (Courtney) Solinger, Tyson Solinger, Justin Solinger, Jessica (Kade) Fremont, Lauren (Alvin) Law, Rebecca (Tarek) Solinger, and Shae (Max) Solinger. Her legacy continues with nine great-grandchildren: Isla and Fergus Campbell; Marlowe, Sloane, and Jack Solinger; Silas and Maya Solinger; Owen and Jordan Law. Grandma loved welcoming family and friends into her home, peppering all with questions about what was going on in their lives.

The family would like to thank all the staff at The StayWell Manor Village who provided Lois with loving and attentive care during her time there and comforting her in her final days. Ralph predeceased Lois in 2020.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fish Creek United Church (77 Deerpoint Rd SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Western-style breakfast to follow, western duds optional.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lois’ family here.

In living memory of Lois Solinger, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.