In Memory of Lois M. Bolton

Lois Lois & Ben Bolton

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In memory of Lois M. Bolton (nee Backs) age 82. Died July 1, 2004, after a long illness, at Forest Hill Nursing Home, where she was affectionately known as "the little one" or "peanut". Cherished wife of Ben Bolton, dear mother of Sheila Currie Alder, Bill Bolton (Heidi), both of Ottawa, and Nancy Finley (Mike) of Oakville. Loving "Nana" of her nine grandchildren, Bruce Currie-Alder (Nora Madrigal), Jennifer Alder, Krystine, Andrea and Genevieve Bolton, and Christopher, Matthew, James and Theresa Finley, and "Great-Nana" of Miranda and David Currie-Alder Madrigal. Fondly remembered by her brother Ronald Backs (Heather) and her nephews and niece, Greg, Neil and Joanne Backs, as well as several cousins. Predeceased by her son, "Baby Hal", and her parents, Harold and Ruby Backs.

Lois was born and educated in Ottawa. After graduation from the High School of Commerce, she was employed by Army Medical Headquarters, and then as a private secretary to the Director of the Chemical Warfare Laboratories. She also volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross, and was part of a folk dance group that entertained visiting troops in Ottawa. She always had a love of music and dancing. After the war, she was employed as a private secretary to the Chief Scout at Scouts Canada, and was an active CGIT leader at Southminster United Church.

Her marriage in 1950 (which filled the church) to Ben, a Chartered Accountant, took her to Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Toronto and eventually back to Ottawa. Lois was involved in the work of the United Church in each of the cities in which she lived. She was a member of Nokomis Chapter of the Eastern Star in Sault Ste. Marie, and of Beta Sigma Phi in Ottawa. She became a volunteer at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, working first in the Emergency Department, and later "ran" the Candystriper program (for teenage volunteers) for a number of years. Lois and Ben were "snowbirds" and spent 25 winters in Dunedin, Florida, and actively participated in the life and work of the Kirk of Dunedin.

Lois will always be remembered for her warm smile, ready laugh, and her talent for making and keeping friends easily. She continued to have many interests well into her seventies - including modelling for a fashion show sponsored by Abbotsford Senior Centre, and at a showing of wedding dresses at Southminster United Church, where she wore her own wedding dress almost 50 years after her marriage to Ben. However her greatest achievement was to create a loving home for Ben and her children in each of the ten dwelling places they lived.

A celebration of her life was held during the morning service at Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue, Ottawa, on September 12, 2004.

SC Alder Sep/04