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Lois Joän Durand, 90

Lois Joän Durand passed away Jan. 9, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at the Hospice House of North Idaho.

She was born March 30, 1927, to Leon and Nellie Eda Loveless, in Erie, Pa. Her family moved to Troy, Mont., when she was very young and lived out the Depression years on the family farm. She attended school in Troy until 11th grade and moved with her family to Sandpoint, Idaho, where she graduated high school.

Shortly after high school, she took a civil service job at Farragut Naval Training Center, and it was during this time that she met the love of her life, Glen Durand, at the USO in Sandpoint. They were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Sparks, Nev., on Oct. 27, 1946, by Glen’s uncle, Rev. Basil Daugherty. They lived in Alameda, Calif., until 1950.

Missing North Idaho, Glen and Lois returned to Coeur d’Alene. Together they raised their daughter, Lynn Durand and son Charles, “Chuck” Durand. Lois cared for Glen for 30 years after he suffered a stroke and shared 69½ years of marriage before he preceded her in death.

Lois had many talents and skills that she passed along to her family and friends. She was strong and fiercely independent. Her skills as a seamstress were in high demand throughout the Coeur d’Alene area. Lois had a servant’s heart, and impacted the lives of so many by always putting others first. Her door was open to all and always had room for one more in her home and at her table. Lois proudly called many people her extra children and grandchildren. She was sharp witted, possessed an incredible memory and had no fear of conversation.

Lois was an active member of local service organizations for more than 50 years. She held many officer positions in the Coeur d’Alene Daughters of the Nile and the Queen Esther Chapter of Eastern Star. She used her master seamstress skills to create and fit scores of gowns for her organization’s’ members, as well as community members at large, including making the dreams of many brides become a reality through her artistry and attention to detail. Lois was able to alter clothing for a perfect custom fit. She contributed pound upon pound of homemade candies, pies, jams etc. for fundraisers and provided enormous support for dinners at charitable occasions. She was the administrative manager for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for 18 years.

Lois took her role as matriarch of her family seriously, always providing gems of wisdom through her stories. There was always a bed to come home to and she ensured family members left her home with fresh canned goods and treats for the road.

Lois is survived by her sister, Laurel Neal; daughter, Lynn; son, Chuck; daughter-in-law, Anita and grandchildren, Mathew Smith, Patrick (Lisa) Tulleners, Michelle Tulleners, Jannica (Julian) Paraschiv, Tammy (Loni) McCloud, Dawn (Pat) McClary, Sarah Birley; and great-grandchildren, Alannah, Gabrielle, Ashlynn, Bridgette, Cordelia, Isabelle, Vivien, Tyler, Madison, Daegan, Declan, Drayden, Kaysha, Megan and Taylor.

Our mother, grandmother, friend and source of love and commitment will be sorely missed. Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made on Lois’ behalf to: Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements for Lois Durand. Please visit her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.