Obituary of Lois Lawrence

Lois Jean Lawrence (Arndt), 68, of St. Catharines, Ontario, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, February 19, 2022, with her beloved rescue cat, “Katharine Hepburn,” at her side. Born on January 10, 1954, to Lawrence and Thelma Arndt of Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, Lois was the fourth of five amazing Arndt children. As Lois grew up, she spent her early years hunting with her father, riding horses, emulating her childhood hero, Annie Oakley, and playing with her three older sisters and younger brother. As her mother separated, the two would grow close in their Shaler Township home, experiencing their share of triumphs and challenges as Lois transitioned into a vibrant, beautiful young woman and aspiring model. A graduate of Shaler High School, Lois pursued a degree in Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, while working alongside her mom at Woolworth’s department store, and had a successful career as a paralegal at a downtown law firm. She also traveled and explored the United States. As a young woman, Lois journeyed outside the United States in 1975 to start a new chapter in life, in what would become her new home, Canada. After a former marriage, she met her second husband, Robert Lawrence (divorced), and in 1981 gave birth to their only child, Adam. The opportunity to become a mother was one of the most rewarding experiences in Lois’ life, a role she was passionate about, as she helped raise her son to become a young man through great times and struggles. She was a wonderful mom, who cared deeply for, and took great pride in her son, right to her final breath. Of her many qualities, Lois was a gorgeous woman, both inside and out. She was deeply caring, compassionate, brilliant, charming, incredibly motivated, witty, and had a strong faith and belief in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Lois was the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. She worked tirelessly to build and successfully operate her health and beauty salon, Indulgences. Never afraid of a challenge, Lois had a fierce work ethic. Her hard work throughout the years resulted in several awards, including recognition in the National Register’s Who’s Who in executives and professionals (2002-2003). Outside of work, Lois had many endeavors, one of which was consistently improving 16 Cherry Street—the home she enjoyed spending her time in. An animal enthusiast, Lois loved her cat companions throughout the years (Olivia, Ollie, Kendra, Katharine Hepburn, and Calvie Klein, her most recent project), rescuing many to provide them with a second chance at life. If there ever was a truly unique woman, it was Lois. There are not enough words to describe her, though she’d be the one to find them if she were writing this! For those who knew her and loved her, Lois had a positive impact on everyone she surrounded herself with. The people she touched will surely miss her until it’s time to meet again in the Kingdom of Heaven. Lois was predeceased by her parents and her oldest sister (Marlene Kendrick). She is survived by her son (Adam Lawrence), her sisters (Lyn Zilka and Janet Fairweather), her brother (Lawrence Arndt Jr.), best friend and cousin, Lorraine Bluemle, close friend and caregiver, Val Burrell, and by many wonderful in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews (and by “Katharine Hepburn” and “Calvie Klein!”). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lois’ name to Covenant House-Toronto (https://covenanthousetoronto.ca). A viewing for close friends and family will take place on Friday, February 25, 2022, between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel (39 Court Street, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 4R8), with a memorial service to follow.