Lois

 
Lois was born 1930 in South Saskatchewan, the youngest of six children. At 5 years of age, she moved with her  family to Alberta.

Lois became a professional psychologist after completing her BA in 1953. Lois met Ken, whom she married in 1963 after a lengthy gap in their relationship. After marrying, Ken became an educator and stressed the importance of having a family. Lois and Ken had two daughters:  Lynn and Heather.

After her children were born, she returned to university to study change management with Bill Bridges the author of Life Transitions . Lois believes this book is still relevant today. She worked as a consultant in career transitions for 12 years during the downsizing in Alberta, helping her clients explore new personal territory, particularly in midlife.  She emphasized the importance of spending time on things that give you meaning and joy. Lois recalls one 30-year-old man who  transitioned from being an engineer to a psychologist.

Lois, herself, has made informed choices about her own life transitions. At 93, coping with intractable chronic pain in her lower body, she is exploring her life choices . She has signed up for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). She stresses how hard her decision is but her blood disorder frightens her, recalling her father’s double amputation. She would appreciate if people discussed her decision to include MAID as an option in her journey through life as she has found people do not communicate these feelings.  Lois’s study of major world religions helped her reconcile her choice. She feels discussions about quality of life while aging, serve an important purpose.

Lois’s condition has drastically impacted her mobility resulting in isolation, which is problematic for a self-professed extrovert. It has prompted her to reach out and develop a nurturing virtual community that includes ‘the Wisdom Circle’ ( an online, global sector of ‘Sageing International’).  Lois also has one 25 year old grand daughter and twin grandsons aged 22 . Lois has come to value the effort to maintain family contact through weekly zoom calls; a vital addition to her virtual community.

Lately, contemplating leaving this world, Lois believes the difference her death will make may be insignificant. She trusts there will be new adventures ahead.  Lois hopes she leaves this world a better place because she has prompted people to explore and discuss their life choices with family and friends.