Obituary of Lois Gruenig

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our wonderful, Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and Sister, Lois Gruenig on May 26, 2024, in Cranbrook, BC. Lois passed at her home surrounded by family and close friends.

Lois was born in Grande Prairie, AB in 1936 to Ruth and John Reynolds. The family farmed in the Eaglesham area of Alberta where Lois enjoyed playing with her pet pig and riding her horse. She later moved to Grande Prairie and met the love of her life, Art Gruenig at a party. They moved numerous times while growing their family: Alan was born in Edmonton, Sherry was born in Grande Prairie, and Sandy and Darrel were born in Fort St. John. Following Fort St. John, they moved to Surrey, Grande Prairie (again), and then Calgary where they remained for 15 years.

In 1990, they moved to Cranbrook where Lois worked for the city for 10 years before retiring. She wasn’t one to sit still and took up a part time job at Bently in the Cranbrook Mall, as well as bookkeeping for Mountain Meadows Strata, helping Art with his management duties. She also volunteered for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital Auxiliary Thrift store and the Hospital Gift Shop.  She loved her community and made friends wherever she went. Shopping trips with her always took longer because she would stop to chat with anyone and everyone - and she was genuinely interested in what they had to say.

She was a devoted wife and worked tirelessly caring for Art throughout the years. While their children were small, Art narrowly survived a rig explosion resulting in extensive 3^rd degree burns. Lois remained steadfast despite how difficult it must have been to care for him, 3 small children, and an infant. In their later years, she ensured Art was able to live at home as long as he possibly could, dedicating her days to his care.

Lois was an excellent Grandma, and she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply; always making sure they had food to eat and money for their pockets. Her great-grandchildren will lovingly remember making muffins with their Great-Grandma.

She was an avid Birder and a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists. Her favourites were Mountain Blue Birds and Hummers, which she was able to watch from her living room window when she was no longer able to go out. She also enjoyed playing golf, watching curling, and gardening.

She is survived by her children Darrel, Sherry (Steve), Sandy (Duane); sister Alexa; grandchildren Lyndsay (Trevor), Erin (Colin), Nicole (Ian), Chris, Daniel (Sydney), and Hannah; great-grandchildren Clara, Holly, Austin, Brielle, Isabelle, Samuel, Hailey, and James; sisters-in-law Peggy and Doris; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Art, son Allen, grandson Andrew, as well as her siblings Earl, Lorraine, Mervyn, and Doreen.

A Celebration of Lois’ Life will be held on Saturday, June 15,2024 at 11:00 am at McPherson Funeral home. A live stream will be available for those that can’t attend.

Donations can be made to the Lung Association of Canada, the Rocky Mountain Naturalists or a charity of your choice.