Born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, she was the eldest of seven children in the close knit family of Martin and Carrie Ekern. She moved often during her childhood, from Wisconsin to Missouri and back. Each time she moved, she could be found exploring nature. On June 23rd, 1956 she married her first love, Raymond Sauers, (deceased) with whom she had two children, Laura Reinwald (Neil) and Carrie Putzeys (Robert). She was blessed to find love again with James Galbraith whom she married on December 17, 1976 and her family grew to include: James Galbraith (partner, Kipp Inglis), Robert Galbraith, Jill Galbraith (Rick Miller), Lynn Jones (David), David Galbraith (Patrice), and Polly Galbraith.
Her love for children led to a degree in Elementary Education and teaching in a variety of settings: a multi-grade schoolhouse, a Montessori classroom and a preschool.
Lois delighted in reading, writing, singing and playing the guitar, sewing, and cleaning and organizing especially for family members. Her excitement for climbing trees, hills and cliffs was shared with her siblings, children, grandchildren and friends. She had a passion for sharing her life through her writing and enjoyed telling stories from her life using puppets and her storytelling apron to entertain children. She loved traveling to see family and friends throughout the United States and Germany. She touched the hearts of everyone in her life with grace, love and her gentle spirit.
She was an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church where she participated in Bible Study, the Charismatic Prayer Community, Marriage Encounter retreats, and Christ Renews his Parish. She also taught a high school Sunday school class. She and her husband, Jim spent time with the Catholic Integrated Community in Germany which is an international movement to renew the theology and teaching of the Catholic Church at the parish level.
Lois is preceded in death by James Galbraith, husband, Martin and Carrie Ekern, parents and Gerald Ekern and Marvin Ekern, siblings, and Kathy Ekern, sister-in-law. She is survived by siblings, Betty Ekern Suiter, (Ron), Karen Ekern, sister-in-law, Sandy Nelson (George), Kathy Stefferud (David), James Ekern (Paula), and nieces and nephews. In addition to her children, she is survived by 21 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Westminster Oaks Assisted Living in Tallahassee, Florida.
A memorial mass will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309 on November 12 at 10:30 a.m. Donations can be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
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