Obituary of Lois Ena Schmidt

Lois Ena Schmidt (nee Smith), beloved wife of the late Allan James Schmidt, passed away peacefully at the Oakpark Retirement Community in Ottawa, Ontario on April 24, 2025.  She was the dear mother of Richard, Gordon (Chaesun), Greg (Colleen), Lorne (Sandra), and Andrew (Birgit); grandmother to Nathan, Damian, Micah, Kristin, Richard, and Robert; and great grandmother to Abigail, Rosalie, and Marcus.  Lois was pre-deceased by her son Richard and her nine siblings: Harold, Chester, Keith, Philip, Charles, Donald, Grace Steed, Kathleen Williams, and Mabel Mitchell.  She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Daughter of Charlotte and Harold Smith, Lois was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario.  She attended Queen Victoria Public School and North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School.  She started work fulltime at the age of 16 and five years later, married Allan and stayed home to raise their five sons for the next ten years.  After that time, Lois again entered the workforce and eventually started teaching in the business department at Widdifield Secondary School.  While teaching, she undertook to obtain her B.A. degree from Nipissing University, graduating cum laude in 1980.  Following retirement, Lois did volunteer work at the North Bay General Hospital for many years.

Lois’ many interests included singing in the church choir, knitting, and playing bridge.  She was an enthusiastic supporter of higher education and was a president of the Canadian Federation of University Women as well as taking a strong interest in local and other political issues.  On the occasion of their 50^th anniversary, she wrote a privately published memoir, The Lighter Side of Family Life.

Retirement gave her time to enjoy travelling, their cottage on Lake Nosbonsing and the many social activities and groups at their residence at the Harbourside Condominium.  In 2009, Lois and Allan left North Bay to live in the Oakpark Retirement Community in Ottawa where she made numerous friends with residents and staff.  The Oakpark staff, medical team, and residents were caringly attentive and kind to Lois.  We thank them for their support.

A memorial service will be held at Martyn Funeral Home at 464 Wyld Street in North Bay on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Visitation at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow.

If desired, donations to Nipissing University (Allan and Lois Schmidt Scholarship Fund), or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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