Born in Portland, Oregon, Lois was the daughter of the late Hedvig Erickson (Johnson) and Louis Erickson, Swedish immigrants who worked tirelessly to support Lois and her brother Roy through the Great Depression.
Lois graduated from Jefferson High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Oregon State University in 1949. Soon afterward, she attended the University of Wisconsin to complete additional coursework in dietetics. She then moved to Seattle, Washington and worked as a dietician at Harborview Hospital.
In January of 1956, Lois met Stan Leszynski at a folk dance group that Stan led. They married in November of that year and six months later, they embarked on a 10-month adventure through Eastern Europe—traveling across multiple countries to folk dance and explore the diverse cultures.
Upon their return to Washington state, they built a home in the Lake Hills area of Bellevue. Though Stan's job at Boeing would relocate the family for short stays in El Paso, Texas; Valley City, North Dakota; and Alamogordo, New Mexico, Bellevue would remain their home for most of their 63 years of marriage. It was here that Lois devoted herself to raising their four children.
Later in life, Lois enjoyed working for the American Greetings Company and serving on the St. Louise Church Social Concerns Committee. She and Stan enjoyed gardening, volkswalking, crafting, neighborhood gatherings, and travel (with a fondness for the Oregon coast). But her greatest passion was spending time with family—especially in the role of "Grandma."
Preceded in death by her husband Stan (2020) and her brother Roy (2021), Lois is survived by son Stanley Jr. (Joan), daughters Tina (Robert), Linda (David), Patti (Nate), and her grandchildren Stanley III, Jill (Ryan), Katie, Devon, Brooke, Cole (Erika), Luke (Vanessa), and Reese.
Lois will be deeply missed for her many rich friendships, her benevolent spirit, and her immense love for her family. The wisdom she shared and the love she gave will remain with us always. She was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service for Lois to be held at St. Louis Parish 141 – 156th Avenue SE, Bellevue 98007 at 11am on Friday, October 30th. A viewing will precede the service, and a reception will follow in the church hall.
Lois will be interred at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue.
Donations in Lois’ name can be made to the American Heart Association. https://heart.org
