Obituary of Lois Madeline Heath

Lois Madeline Ayres Heath 

Ever have the incredible fortune to know unconditional love and have an advocate on your side who always assured you there would be more good days than bad ones?  Someone who taught you that eternal hope, hard work, and humor would overcome the hard lessons and unexpected challenges life randomly spins your way? Well, we did.  Lois Madeline Ayres Heath supported her family until she was sure our continued journey in this world without her would be safe even during stormy times.    

Lois was born November 21, 1920 to Andrew and Mary Hazel Ayres during a snowstorm in Easton, WA. The doctor was unable to travel through the snow, so her father had to deliver her into this world. She spent her formative years in Auburn, but later, the family moved to Tacoma where Lois graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939. 

As an adult, she pursued a nursing career and graduated St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Tacoma. Lois joined the US Navy Nurse Corp Lt. (jg) (NC), being stationed in both San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA. She ended her Navy career when she married George W. Heath in 1946. She continued to work at local hospitals and a doctor’s office in Tacoma, WA until their son, John, was born in 1948. She then stayed home to raise John. Patricia was born in 1951 and Susan in 1954. Lois returned to work as a nurse in 1962 at Doctor’s Hospital, then was asked to join a team for a private duty position for Mamie McLeod. She spent the next 18 years working the night shift taking care of Mamie. Working nights enabled her to be with her children during the day and for the children to attend St. Charles Borromeo where Lois and George were parish members.  In 1965, she lost Mary Kay during childbirth. 

Lois was very active and especially enjoyed dancing. Early on as a teenager she and her friends traveled around the area to dances, and later with George, belonged to the Tico Tico Dance Club and spent many nights dancing at the Tacoma Elks Club. She enjoyed many other activities, snow and water skiing (the Devil’s Dip at Mt. Rainier was a favorite memory). Many summers were spent swimming and boating at American Lake. 

In 1971, she began a new stage in her life – Grandma.  She served in this role for five decades selflessly by helping to raise six grandchildren while the parents worked.  

Her dream of owning a cabin on the water came true in the 1980’s on Filucy Bay in Longbranch. Lois, George, the kids and grandkids spent many hours rebuilding and enjoying the cabin on the bay. 

George passed away in 2004 and Lois stayed in her home with her grandson Shea until she was 96. She drove her car until she was 95 and was not happy when she found out she would have to take a driving test to renew her license. She begrudgingly gave up driving and her car. 

In her twilight years, she moved in with her daughter (Patty) where she stayed until her passing at 100 years young on April 27, 2021 which just happened to be what would have been Lois and George’s 75th Wedding Anniversary. How did she pick that special day to go home to heaven? 

She is survived by daughters, Patricia Schumacher and Susan Sundahl, grandchildren, Russell Harmon, Wendy Stafford, Shea Sundahl, Leah French, J. P. Sundahl and Stuart Heath, great grandchildren, Rowan, Evan, Jaiden, Maya, , Joey, Jordan, Hope, Sadie and Simon. May she rest in peace Daughter, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma Lois. 

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at a private ceremony at Tahoma National Cemetery.  Remembrances can be found online at Edwards Memorial Funeral Homes & Cremation Services | Edwards Memorial