Lois Jean Hofer

It is with sadness and loving memories that we announce the passing of our mother, Lois Jean Hofer, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Lois was born Lois Griffiths in Calgary, and raised in the beautiful little town of Rockyford, Alberta. She was the eldest of three girls born to her parents Ed and Pearl Griffiths, who were owners of a farm implement shop and garage in town. Lois attended school from grade one to high school graduation in Rockyford, first in the two-room schoolhouse and then at the Catholic high school.

Lois was keen to experience the world, and after high school graduation, her adventures began. She moved to Edmonton to attend U of A, and then Vancouver to earn her Bachelor of Social Work at UBC. During this time she worked for the welfare agencies in both Edmonton and Vancouver.

It was in Vancouver while attending UBC that she met Henry Hofer, a graduating electrical engineer. They moved east to Peterborough, Ontario, where she worked for Children’s Aid Society for four years. Lois and Henry flew back to Rockyford to get married in winter, in the midst of one of the worst blizzards in years, and soon had their first child, Deirdre. After six years of living in Peterborough they moved back west, settling for good in North Vancouver BC. Two more children, Robert and Kirsten were born, and Lois gave up her professional life long enough to become the most wonderful full-time mom.

She also stayed active in the community, volunteering at the elementary school doing graphic design, and joining the team of Sunday School teachers at the United Church.

When her children came of age, Lois re-entered the workforce, taking a position at the Capilano College (now University) newspaper, doing typesetting and layout.

She then wished to continue her Social Work skills, and took further courses to become a care worker with North Shore Home Support. Soon after, she opened her own business, Lois Hofer Home Support, where she quickly became a beloved companion and caregiver to many clients on the North Shore.

In her spare time she traveled with her husband Henry within BC and even took a cruise to Alaska. Henry sadly passed in 2003, and after a period of adjustment from losing her companion, she did not let this slow her down. She forever craved adventure, spirituality, and intellectual stimulation. She joined social groups, attended Philosophers Cafés, and took courses at SFU with the Liberal Arts 55+ program. She loved reading about and discussing spirituality, psychology, and eastern philosophies. A lover of music and the arts, she frequently attended live music festivals, intimate concerts, and the theatre. She also traveled further abroad with seniors’ groups to London, Wales and Ireland, Las Vegas, the eastern U.S., and her last trip was back to Calgary Alberta to attend the Stampede.

At age 80 she finally retired from her home support business, and shortly thereafter dementia found her. She spent this eight-year journey being compassionately cared for by her three children, Kirsten, Rob, and Deirdre (Gus), and finally passed at home on Wednesday, April 22 surrounded by love.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vancouver Coastal Health Longterm Care and Palliative Care programs, for their outstanding and compassionate support.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2:00 p.m., at Dignity Memorial Boal Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Lois’s name be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.