Lois Virginia Lawrence

Lois was born on January 14, 1930, a bitterly cold night, in a little farmhouse in Dana, Illinois to her parents, Edo and Edith (Ekstrom) Duden. She attended a one room school house until circumstance compelled the family to move in search of work. During the early years of the Great Depression she attended school in several small towns and cities in the surrounding area including Minonk, Wenona, and Hinsdale eventually graduating from Rutland High School. It was through her connections there that she met and later married the love of her life, George W. Lawrence, on September 11, 1949.

Together they created a loving home for their 3 children: Cynthia, Janice and George William. Beginning their married life in Illinois, little did they know that George's career with Libby's would take them to Wisconsin, Minnesota and eventually Cuba and Puerto Rico and finally bring them to Ohio. Lois embraced these new adventures. A devoted homemaker, she graciously hosted many business gatherings while the family lived abroad. She was open to learning about the cultures, cuisines and even learning Spanish while in Cuba and Puerto Rico. It was there she learned to play golf, a sport she loved and enjoyed throughout her life.

In August 1970 the family moved to Bradenton Florida, making this their home for the next 55 years. Shortly after moving there, Lois pursued a successful career in Real Estate with Abstract Reality. Later, she joined George in managing and operating their family business, Green Season's Nursery where they were pioneers in growing sea oats and other native plants used for beach restoration. It was during these years Lois developed her knowledge and love of plants, growing her own collection of orchids and bromeliads in the nursery greenhouses.

Lois and George retired in 1994 and started a new chapter of their lives in Imperial Lakes where they were able to resume their shared love of golf. They spent many pleasant days on the links with the numerous friends they made there. In addition to her other hobbies Lois loved to photograph the richly colored sunsets visible from their lakeside home. She was an avid card player and enjoyed Rummikub, sharing her wit and good humor with friends and family at the table. A strong tradition was instilled through the many fun hours of playing cards with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In 2019 Lois moved to Westminster Point Pleasant beginning another chapter in her eventful life. Here she weathered the fraught years of the Covid Pandemic as well as several hurricanes. Again she made many dear friends and acquaintances and even started a game group on her floor.

In May 2025 Lois made her final move to Stuart Florida where she lived with her daughter Janice and son in law Mark in the final weeks of her life.

Lois will always be remembered for her warm heart, sharp wit, adventurous spirit, her quiet strength and steadfast dedication to her family.

She is survived by her loving children: Cynthia Lawrence (Tom Stevens) of Gainesville FL, Janice (Mark) Schey of Stuart FL, George "Bill" Lawrence (Susan Corsi) of Bradenton FL.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Aaron Hock, Gainesville FL, Elaine Schey, Stuart FL, Andria Hock (Garvey Lee) Alachua FL, Alissa Mondina, Stuart FL, Lindsey Schey, Seattle WA, lan Hock, Gainesville FL, and David Lawrence (Gina Gray) Wainuiomata, New Zealand. Her great grandchildren who brought her endless joy; Anya Lee-Hock, Lila Mondina, Emma Mondina, Sarah Lee-Hock, Jax Lawrence and Ari Lawrence. She is also survived by her nephew Dan Zippay of Illinois. She will be missed by her 5 nieces and 2 nephews through marriage as well.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband George and her beloved sister Marilyn Zippay and niece Stephanie Zippay.

As one of the founding members of Redeemer Lutheran Church Lois received the blessings of close friendships and spiritual nourishment. She loved the fellowship of Redeemer and this is where she wanted services to be held in her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church Bradenton, Florida on August 22, 2025 at 11AM in the sanctuary with a reception in the fellowship hall after the service. Please join us in honoring a life well lived if you are able. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.