Lois Winger

Lois Pauline Winger (Heise)
It is with sadness we announce the passing of Lois on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Walter, on October 12, 2021; by her parents Orla and Catherine (Lehman) Heise; and by her siblings Miriam (Roy) Wenger, Harold (Verna Mae) Heise, Lewis (Verna) Heise, sister-in-law Janet (Maclaren) Heise, and brothers in law John Reesor and Harvey Sider.  She is survived by her sisters Anna Reesor and Erma Sider.
Lois was the loving mother of Larry (Carrie)-Allendale U.K.; Lee (Shelley)- North Pelham ON, Scott (Jodee)-Havertown PA. Loving grandmother of Breanna (Jon), Benjamin (Kerry), Matthew (Amanda), Christopher, Jesse (Alanna), Zachary and Amelia and great grandmother of Oscar, Arthur, Adelaide, Anelise, Dororthy and Jude.
Lois attended high school in Richmond Hill and then Ontario Bible School (Niagara Christian Collegiate), Fort Erie.  Following graduation in 1945, she entered Teacher’s College in Toronto and soon began teaching elementary school in the Niagara area. Following her marriage to Walter in 1951, her teaching career was soon set aside to raise their family and support her husband as he entered pastoral ministry.  She would continue to be that faithful support throughout Walter’s career, serving together as the pastoral couple at churches in Ontario, PA, NY and CA. Along the way she worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office, as an art teacher, in sales at a Christian bookstore and in various other ventures. Wherever she and Walter were living, Lois was always a gracious hostess, warmly welcoming all guests to their home.  Her carefully tended gardens were always full of beautiful flowers, and when she wasn’t cooking or gardening, she was busy doing all types of other creative artistic pursuits.  Afghan blankets were lovingly knit for all her children and grandchildren, and paintings were completed on a regular basis. Singing was another favourite form of expression. Whether singing with her brothers and sisters, or in church choirs, or community singing groups, Lois’ clear soprano voice always enriched any ensemble.  It is a delight to see her artistic talents find expression in her grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their special thanks to all the caring staff at Country Moments Retirement Home, Huntsville and at Maple Park Lodge, Fort Erie, and to all of the many friends that she has known throughout the years.
Visitation will be at the Opatovsky Funeral Home-Dempster Chapel, 210 Ontario Street in Burk’s Falls on Friday July 8, 2022, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service led by Reverend Steven Smith will be conducted at Knox Presbyterian Church, 28 Sparks Street, in Magnetawan on Saturday, July 9, 2022, commencing at 1:00 p.m. Private interment in Chapman Cemetery. *Please note, masks are kindly requested in church until you reach your seat and capacity is limited to 100 people for service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be gratefully appreciated by the family.