Lois Quick

Lois Quick was a wonderful woman, who lived a long life, full of love, laughter and family. She had seen the world change, in a life spanning more than a century, she remained the same: positive, compassionate, fun-loving and full of humor. That was her secret. If you're going to live a long life, you might as well enjoy it. Lois enjoyed every moment of her life, just as we enjoyed every moment we shared with her. Lois' story began on a hot summer day in 1904, in Saginaw, Michigan. Those were exciting times in our great nation, as the turn of the century brought with it grand aspirations, and grander innovations. Immigrants flooded our shores seeking a better life, immigrants like James Chapman, who came here from Cornwall, England. James settled in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he met a local hat maker named Myrtle, and soon started a family. James put himself through seminary school in Chicago, becoming a Methodist minister, and moved his growing family to eastern Michigan. On August 7, 1904, a hot, sunny Sunday in Saginaw, the couple celebrated the birth of their third child, a beautiful baby girl they named Lois Ames. Lois joined older siblings Ruth and Lloyd and little brother Jim came later. Times were tough for the family, as ministers didn't make much money, and Lois recalled that some of her clothes came from the missionary barrell at her father's church. The family moved around eastern Michigan quite a bit while Lois grew up, as her father changed churches regularly. Her parents instilled a love for learning in Lois, as well as a love of the Lord. After she graduated from high school, attended Albion College, a proud Methodist institution. There she studied Art and Music, joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and would receive her teaching degree after two years of schooling. Lois found something even more rewarding at Albion, however. She also met a handsome young man named Edwin Quick, who was seven years older than she. The sparks flew between them, and they dated for several years, before marrying on August 20, 1925 in Detroit. The newlyweds settled in Muskegon, Michigan, where Edwin's parents lived, and Lois took a teaching job, while Ed sold insurance. They lived in a little house on Smith Street, where the couple soon started their family. Their daughter Patricia was born in 1928, with daughter Marilynn "Mickey" born seven years later, and daughter Linda rounding out the family seven years after that. Lois and Ed were wonderful parents, who taught their daughters to become independent women in their own right. Times were tough in the early days of the Great Depression, but the Quick family had it better than most, since Ed had a job. Eventually they saved enough to move down the street to a bigger home, and added another story to the house for a total of five bedrooms. They called it, fittingly enough, The Big House. Settled into their new home, Lois and Ed became very active and involved in their community. Lois was especially active at Central United Methodist Church, where she lent her beautiful voice to the choir, and her time to the BT Chapter of PEO, even serving as its president. Ed served on the City Commission during the early 1950s, and was also elected Mayor of Muskegon for several terms. Lois loved being involved in her husband's career, and together they made quite a team. They enjoyed entertaining at their home. A gifted musician and soprano, Lois was the life of the party, as everyone gathered 'round to hear her sing and to join in the chorus. They hosted Fourth of July pancake breakfasts, with many in attendance each year. Lois and Ed also bought a summer cottage on Little Silver Lake, just north of Twin Lake, where they hosted many gatherings, for family and friends. Ed and Lois loved cooking, with Ed serving as the outdoor grill master, and Lois making homemade ice cream. She had a green thumb, and along with Ed, her garden was a showpiece. In the late 1950s, the family moved to Glenside, where Lois would live the rest of her days. She also resumed her teaching career at that time, teaching Kindergarten at Churchill Porter School, in the Mona Shores School District. She loved teaching the children, and stayed at the school more than 15 years, until she retired in the early 1970s. In the mid-70s, her daughters Pat and Linda opened a travel agency, the House of Travel. Lois went to work for them, picking up the mail, delivering tickets - and other various jobs. Later in that decade, Lois and Ed were dealt a difficult blow, when he suffered a stroke. Lois cared for her beloved husband for a few years, until his death in June of 1981, at the age of 82. Lois persevered, through her family and by keeping active, working at the travel agency until her daughters sold it in the early 1990s. Lois missed Ed dearly, and though she never remarried, she enjoyed male companionship over the years, and dated several gentlemen. Her son-in-law, Doug, teasingly said she was "boy crazy!" That was Lois; she knew life was meant to be enjoyed. Lois aged beautifully, and had great eyesight and independence for many years. She stayed as active as she could, and even drove a car until she was nearly 90. She was proud of her long, full life, and had a great sense of humor about aging, as well. When her daughter complained of her own daughter turning 30, Lois laughed, "How do you think I feel? My daughter is 60!" And just a few years ago, her daughter Mickey asked if she needed help getting ready for bed. Lois laughed, "I've been putting myself to bed for 100 years, I can handle it myself!" Eventually, though, her age took its toll. Lois had wonderful caregivers helping her during her last years, and died peacefully on Sunday, April 29, 2007, at the age of 102. Lois was an amazing woman, who led a full life of love and laughter, of friends and family. She was a beloved teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her daughter Linda nicknamed her "Mother Honey." It was so fitting, really, for such an incredibly sweet lady. Lois loved every minute of her long life, one we were blessed to have shared. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia A. (Doug) Bard of Muskegon, Marilynn R. Biddle of Muskegon, Linda L. (Larry) Talkington of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. Services are Monday, May 7, 2007 at 11 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Dr. Robert Livingston officiating. Friends may gather with Rev. Dr. Robert Livingston officiating. Friends may gather with the family at the reception following the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo, or sign the online guest book.