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Posted Jun 13, 2026 | 2:46 PM
Lois Florence Edey (nee Taylor) was born in Ottawa on June 9, 1936. She died peacefully in the night after her 90th birthday. At home. As she wished. We are so grateful.
Lois’s early life was full of sadness and loss. By the age of 13, she had lost her father, William, her Grandpa Wilcox who lived with them, her mother, Florence and sister, Gladys. She was grateful for Ken and Ron, her two older brothers, a friend’s mother who took her in for a year, and her late sister’s employer who hired her (if she lied about her age.) She had to leave school in Grade 11 to take the job to support herself and live in a rooming house. Ken and Ron weren’t much older than she, but they helped her all they could. She still talks about the red coat she loved that Ken bought for her in those days. What a luxury! Ken and Bev, Ron and Marion and their families remained close, creating many warm family memories through the years.
Searching for a place of belonging, teenaged Lois left her Anglican roots and joined the Salvation Army where she learned to play the French Horn. She’s loved SA music throughout her life. Our father, Harold, loved to joke that he “plucked her from the street corner” after a not-so-great blind date. Nonetheless, they fell in love, married in Bell Street United Church, launching them into a full and happy almost 65 years together.
In their early marriage, Dad worked for International Harvester in Ottawa, travelling on the road all week, doing “book work” at the office Saturday mornings. In 1961, Dad got an opportunity to work for one of the dealerships he served and buy into the company. They packed up their two children: Lori (4) and Stephen (2), left friends and family in Ottawa and moved to Belleville to start a new adventure together. Eastminster church and community activities formed the backbone of their lives.
Mom sung in the choir and was president of the UCW when she was 26! She was church secretary in the Rev. Alex McDowell era. Along with many of the young church families, our lives revolved around the church and the Eastminster community became like extended family. Mom was proud to have been on the search committee when Rev. Ed Bentley was called and has only loved and adored him more with each passing year. We’re so grateful for his support through the years.
Mom’s work moved from church to school, as secretary at Queen Alexandra until it closed, then Queen Elizabeth. She became an integral part of the staff and hosted many parties. Eventually she worked at the Board Office. She enjoyed those days of working and carried many happy memories. A couple of years ago, she shocked a waitress by ordering a Harvey Wallbanger – a remnant from those days!
Most of all, Mom was there for Dad, supporting him as Belleville Truck Centre grew and he bought out all but one of the remaining partners. They were a great team! She worked with him in Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce activities. He was rewarded with many trips and they travelled broadly. They particularly enjoyed being part of the “Friendship Flights” between Germany and the Quinte area.
Ghosts from her early days haunted her. She never wanted to be a bother to anyone, was so appreciative of anything anyone did for her, and she would go nowhere without being invited. But everyone was always welcome in her home. A great cook and gracious hostess, they had many planned and impromptu parties. We were always encouraged to bring our friends home. As each kid left for university, they put on an addition to the once small house. Mom was both proud and sad to be the last original owner on the street.
Mom and Dad had many wonderful days in Florida, too. With friends Bob and Mildred Graham, they rented a condo in Fort Myers Beach for years before buying their own place on Bonita Beach. Although they hosted many friends and family there, they also became very involved in the community, making some wonderful friends. Their vibrant social lives continued through the condo and beyond.
Mom began oil painting at 55. Dad reclaimed his wood carving. Mom was the secretary of the Bonita Art League and both parents were involved with countless fundraisers that resulted in a beautiful building to house the art school.
Family meant the world to both of them and they made many sacrifices and contributions to enrich our lives through all of its seasons. Mom was a good listener, always looking for the best in people. She was a life-long learner, and enjoyed her Book Club friends in later life.
Lois is predeceased by the love of her life, Harold (2019). She leaves Lori (Cathy Risdon) and Stephen (Barb Veenstra), grandsons Samuel and Luke, great-grandson Donovan, brother Ken (Bev) and many nieces and nephews. She told me she thought she was a pretty good mother to all six of her children, and so we also remember those beloved canines who predeceased her, too: Peppi, Kelly, Chloe, and Autumn.
We’re grateful to cousin Heather and Elaine for enriching both of our parents’ last years so generously. Special thanks to Barb and Ron Munroe for their faithful support and friendship. She was so delighted to meet “new friends” Dan Pike and Joy Goddard in her later life.
Stephen and Barb have done the lion’s share of the heavy lifting in the last two years, offering loving support, care, and caregiving, as well as organizing and supporting caregivers Kim Tulley, Joice Dizon, and Tina Warren, as we sought to honour her wish to stay at home. Special thanks to Dr. Azizy and Jenn, Kerry-Anne and her team.
Service at Eastminster United Church (corner of Herchimer and Bridge Streets), Belleville on Saturday, July 4 at 1:00
Remember Lois by trying a new recipe, setting a beautiful table, inviting some friends for a meal, or donating to Eastminster United Church.
Arrangements entrusted to the Burke Funeral Home (613-968-6968), 150 Church Street, Belleville. Online condolences at www.burkefuneral.ca