Lois Lou DiGirolamo

Lois Lou (née Peterson) DiGirolamo of Belton, Missouri, passed away Sunday September 17, 2023 at the age of 91. Lois was born to Hugo and Marjorie (née Gowing) Peterson on August 6, 1932 in Kansas City, Missouri. She spent much of her time on her grandparent’s farm in La Cygne, Kansas, where, beginning in 1951, her parents owned and operated La Cygne Corner Service Station, more commonly known as "Pete's Corner". Lois married Andrew William “Bud” DiGirolamo on August 25, 1951 in Benton County, Arkansas. They lived in Kansas City for many years, before retiring to Belton in 1974.

Lois was a true animal lover. If any stray or feral cat made its way to her five-acre property, she gave it food and refuge—sometimes even inviting it into her home where it’d live a long, enviable, and spoiled life. She also raised and rode numerous horses throughout the decades, and devotedly filled her wild bird feeders so she could watch them through her front picture window. Lois also lovingly fed her (human) family, and especially enjoyed cooking a pot of Italian sausage for Christmas dinner.

Lois is survived by her son Andrew DiGirolamo, Jr.; her daughter Julie DeSchepper (Ken); her grandchildren Mark DeSchepper (Katie Beth), Travis DiGirolamo, Rachel DeSchepper, and Vince DiGirolamo; and her great-grandchildren, Logan and Grace DeSchepper. Lois is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 65 years.

Services will be private, and while the family is grateful for condolences, they decline flowers and donations.