Lois Elaine O'Rourke Bagnall

Bagnall, Lois Elaine O’Rourke, S/Lt (RCN) (Ret) passed away peacefully in her 92nd year on February 5, 2014. Daughter of Robert and Elva (Walker) O’Rourke. Beloved wife of Geoff and loving mother of daughter Jane (former husband Mike); son Andrew (Vanessa) grandchildren Nicholas, Neal and Paige; son John (Joy) grandchildren Meagan and Michaela, and great granddaughter Finley; and son Alex (Lisa) grandchildren Angus and Grant.

Mum was born in River Hebert and grew up in Joggins, N.S. She graduated with distinction from Mount Allison University and began her career in the Canadian Navy as a professional dietician. Her postings took her from one coast to the other, as she served in HMCS Naden, Protector, Donnacona and Stadacona. It was during her posting with Stadacona that she met the love of her life, handsome Army dentist Geoff Bagnall. They married, began their life as a military family, and loved each other for more than 50 years.

Mum was a devoted wife and nurturing mother. An excellent cook, Lois’ energy and feisty enthusiasm was manifest in all of her interesting activities and hobbies some of which included camping, curling, target shooting with the rifle club, studying French, silver and leather working, refinishing antique furniture, sewing and quilting. Mum always paid attention to what was going on in the world, and she read the paper from front to back every day.

Mum felt a special fondness for all the relatives and cousins on both sides of the family. Her involvement with the Nova Scotia branch of the Overseas Nursing Sisters Association was also very important to her. For years, on Remembrance Day, she would proudly lay their wreath on the cenotaph at the Grand Parade. She would also visit veterans in Camp Hill Veterans Memorial and other facilities where veterans were cared for.

Lois is survived by her sister Joan McGuinness (daughters Meg, Mary and Jill). She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Doris Brine (daughter Alsoon), and her much-loved husband Geoff.

The family is very grateful for the caring and compassionate staff who looked after Mum over the past few years while she was in the QEII HI; the Berkeley (Green Street); and Parkstone Enhanced Care.

A memorial service for Lois will be held in the summer 2014.

Mum, we will love you and miss you forever. Stand down; you have earned your rest.