Lois Nay

In Loving Memory of 
Lois Nay
age 72
Predeceased by her parents Bob and Jessie.
Lovingly remembered by her siblings 
Bob (Susan), Marilyn and Bonnie as well as their families.

Died
April 13, 2023
Assiniboine Centre
Brandon, Manitoba 

A private interment will take place at the Ninga Cemetery.  

If so desired friends can make a donation to the Brandon Humane Society; 
2200 17th St. E Brandon MB R7A 7M6

It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Lois (sister, godmother, aunt, great-aunt, friend, teacher, activist, artist) after a valiant battle with bile duct cancer on April 13, 2023 at age 72. Family were by her side at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon. Lois was predeceased by her parents Bob and Jessie Nay. 

She is survived by her siblings Bob (Susan), Marilyn and Bonnie; nephews Robbie, Michael (Carol), and Andrew (Candace) and family and Darren (Jolene) and family; and nieces Melissa (Michael) and Michelle; grandnieces Brooke, Jodi, Nicole, Sarah; and grandnephews Kyle and Cole; and extended family and friends.  

Lois was born on April 26, 1950 in Killarney, Manitoba during a snowy spring. She grew up on the family farm near Ninga and had a lifelong love of animals. When she was little, she explored the entire farm with her dog Spotty at her side. Many summer days were spent with Bonnie riding horses bareback and sailing sloughs on rafts built by brother Bob and sister Marilyn. Winter days were spent skating on frozen ponds and sledding on giant snow banks with sister Bonnie and neighbourhood friend Denise. 

After graduating from high school in 1968 from Killarney Collegiate, Lois attended Teachers’ College in Brandon University for the one-year program. In 1969, she began her beloved profession of teaching at Deloraine School and taught there for two years, obtaining her permanent teaching certificate. She then returned to Brandon University, receiving a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History. 

Lois resumed teaching, including two years in Winnipeg, before spending most of her 36-year career in Brandon, with one special exception. In 1983, she participated in a Teacher Exchange program on Jersey island at Janvren Elementary School, an experience she cherished. While overseas, she journeyed to Egypt and was struck by its majestic beauty. She incorporated Egyptian history throughout her art and teaching during her career. 

Lois taught primarily Grade 3 at Riverview, Betty Gibson and Waverly Park schools in Brandon. Her creativity and passion for storytelling, art and music, including singing to students, shone throughout classes. She loved her students and they loved her. Lois would spend hours prepping new ways to promote learning, and had a special interest in Manitoba’s history, especially Louis Riel. Positive reinforcement was her favourite teaching tool, often rewarding students with glass gems for their hard work.

In 2010, Lois retired from teaching. She soon put her heart and soul into beautifying the family farm as a summer retreat. Lois worked tirelessly, cutting grass on her John Deere, weeding the garden and planting flowers and trees. She enjoyed long walks in the country, regularly accompanied by her much-loved rescue dog Joey. The farmhouse welcomed many of her friends and family over summers. Lois also loved being by the water, whether it be beaches in Cuba or William Lake. 

Lois adored visiting with friends and family and having lunch at Lady of the Lake. Her infectious laugh, kindness, generosity and joie de vivre endeared her to many. She had a keen sense of style, both for clothes and decorating. She transformed her home in Brandon into a work of art. An avid reader, Lois read numerous novels by Ann Cleeves and binge watched British TV series like “Vera.” 

In this momentous journey, Lois gave thanks to her best friend Gay, who looked after her home as if it were her own; Dennis, her handyman who helped fix anything around her house; and Arnie and Glenyce, who generously opened their home in Toronto while she received treatment. She was also grateful to the neighbours on her street for looking out for her, and to her many friends and colleagues who encouraged and supported her on “the long and winding road.” 

We would like to thank Dr. Fourie and Dr. Pitzel for their kindness and support, as well as Home Care staff. Thanks to Dr. Kaiser and the Palliative Care staff at the Assiniboine Centre for their care in Lois’ final week.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois Nay, please visit our floral store.