Lois Ann Makarenko

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Lois passed away on Monday April 23, 2012 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with her girls at her side.

She leaves behind her three cherished daughters; Patricia (Allan Andrusco) of Winnipeg, Carol Dunne of Kakabeka Falls, ON and Jill (Harvey Flamand) of Fort Frances; dearly loved grandchildren David Andrusco (Susan) of Thunder Bay, Jana (Rob DelGrosso) of Winnipeg, Stephen Andrusco (Sandra) of Winnipeg, Matthew (Danielle), Shannon and Kathleen Dunne of Kakabeka Falls, Ryan (Tanis) of Fort Frances and Joshua Flamand of Pickle Lake; great grandchildren Meagan and Zachary Andrusco, Vanessa, Deanna and Paul DelGrosso, Paige, Cameron and Grace Elizabeth Dunne, Nicholas, Matthew, Jacob and Sophia Andrusco, Tucker and Logan Flamand. Grandmother Lois was always their greatest fan and relished having bragging rights at every opportunity, regarding their many accomplishments.

She is also survived by Aunts, Jean Hoffman and Mabel Cyr of Fort Frances and step granddaughter J.J. Witherspoon of Toronto, ON; cousins in Thunder Bay, Peterborough, Australia, Minnesota and the Yukon, of whom she kept in constant touch.

Lois was predeceased by her loving husband of 39 years William Makarenko; parents Gordon and Inez Breckon; siblings Doreen E. Geary and Shirley M. Brown; son-in-law Kevin Dunne; brother-in-laws Alvin Brown and Earl Geary; beloved Uncle Mervyn (Bud) Cyr.

In 1990 Lois was united in marriage to James Witherspoon, who predeceased her in 2001. Together they spent their winters in Arizona and California and summer months at Lois’ Cottage “Bill’s Paradise”, enjoying family and friends. Lois will be remembered for her abiding love of family, hospitality and extended devotion in her paternal genealogy and volunteering in various organizations.

She received her education at Robert Moore and Fort Frances High Schools, she was a faithful member of Knox United Church and served as President with the UCW for 14 years and upon her retirement was presented with a life membership. She was also past President of the Legion Ladies Auxilary, who also presented her with a life membership.

Lois had a close loving bond with her late father, Gordon Breckon, who faithfully supported and encouraged her in all the sports and activities she participated in. In her early years she was well known for her skating abilities and was contracted by the Border Skating Club as their instructor. For three years she taught the many children and arranged the annual ice shows.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 1 pm. At the Knox United Church in Fort Frances, Ontario with Reverend Barbara Miller officiating.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 7 until 8:30 pm. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ontario.

The pallbearers will be David Andrusco, Stephen Andrusco, Matthew Dunne, Ryan Flamand, Joshua Flamand, and Zachary Andrusco.

The honourary pallbearers will be Joyce Zub, Dixie Badiuk, Valerie Hallam, Nancy Asselin, Roma Larry and Heather DeGagne.

At Lois’ request cremation has been arranged with interment in the family plot at Fort Frances Cemetery with her late husband William Makarenko.

Memorial tributes are graciously received to Knox United Church Renewal Fund or the Children’s Wish Foundation, c/o Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Avenue, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.