Obituary of Lois Zumwalt

March 14, 1940 – Edmonton, Alberta

October 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Lois Zumwalt (nee Falk) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Lois grew up in Red Deer, AB; and from an early age, her focus was to help others. She and Earl were married in 1958; and in years to come, she became a very busy mother of five children and also worked part-time as an admitting clerk in various hospitals in Calgary, AB. Once all of the kids were in school, Lois attended nursing school at the Alberta Vocational College (now Bow Valley College) to obtain her RNA (now LPN). One of her favourite places to work was the newborn nursery at the Foothills Medical Centre. In retirement, Lois and Earl wintered in Arizona for 24 years and enjoyed visiting her brother and sister­-in-law. They also enjoyed various cruises and their travels to Europe and China, and they have many special memories of camping at Koocanusa, BC.

Mom loved to cook and host large gatherings of family and friends. She produced much more than delicious food in the kitchen. She developed and nurtured a community in which some long-lasting friendships were established. She created an atmosphere where friends and family felt welcome and shared good food, companionship and stories. She also directed the hospitality educational department. Every grandchild knows how to roll cutlery, fetch folding chairs and stir the gravy. Most importantly, Nana made food that holds memories. Holiday feasts, tomato aspic, omelette in a bag, Jello whip and Uncle Lee’s steaks, among others, hold deep and significant family memories.

Lois is survived by her loving husband Earl of 66 years. She is also survived by her children, Cindy (Dale) McCoy of Calgary, AB, Linda Zumwalt of Whitecroft, BC, Mitchell (Kim) Zumwalt of Calgary, AB, Brad (Tanya) Zumwalt of Calgary, AB,  and Doug (Deanna) Zumwalt of Foothills, AB. Nana is very proud of her seventeen grandchildren, Megan (Dave) Sime, Scott (Carolyn Campbell) McCoy, Daniel McCoy, Jessica St. Onge, Amy (Peter Leontowicz) St. Onge, Luc St. Onge, Andrew Zumwalt, Shannon (Malcolm) Klager-Zumwalt, Hannah Zumwalt, Josh (Sarah Elliot) Zumwalt, Katie (Hanno Dahmen) Zumwalt, Ben Zumwalt, Cassie Zumwalt, Mac Zumwalt, Monique Zumwalt, Joey Zumwalt, and Fabie Zumwalt. And her five great-grandchildren, Abby, Cooper, Sterling, Sasha, and Kasper. She will also be missed by her brother Ellis (Marilyn) Falk, her sister-in-law Iris Fox, as well as numerous extended family and friends. Lois was predeceased by her mother Kathleen Falk and father Gilbert Walter Falk.

Thank you to the nurses, doctors, and healthcare staff from the cardiology unit at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB. A special thank you to Dr. Norm Yee and Dr. Nita Guron for their excellent care. Once at home, the palliative homecare team provided their strong expertise and support. Our family has been very blessed to have Kasi’s loving and compassionate care in Lois’ home.

A Celebration of Lois’ Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Lois’ service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

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

In living memory of Lois Zumwalt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Lois Zumwalt’s Celebration of Life