Obituary of Lois Rae

RAE, Lois Lois Rae died of heart failure at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto surrounded by her family on Friday, December 5th, two days after celebrating her 100th birthday. She lived to receive her special birthday greetings from the Queen and the Governor General as well as a personal visit from her good friend the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien. Lois is survived by her three children Jennifer, John (Phyllis) and Bob (Arlene) and was predeceased by her husband Saul and youngest son David (Virginia). She is also loved and remembered by Virginia's husband Michael Peterson, her grandchildren Johanna (Peter), Kate (Shawn), Amy (Bruno), Ben, Judith (Kent), Lisa (James), Eleanor, Christopher (Aimee), Jonathan, Michael's children Alexandra and Miller, and her great-grandchildren Theo, Finn, Frances, Leo, Raffa, Eva and Theo. Daughter of Dr. Stanley and Mildred George, she is predeceased by her brother Dr. Keith George, sister Ruth Markwick, as well as her mother-in-law Nell Rae, sister-in-law Grace Rae and brother-in-law Jackie Rae. The occasion of her 100th birthday brought a contingent of relatives from England and Lois is remembered with great love and affection by all of them. Lois' remarkable journey took her from a childhood in London, England, to Cambridge University (B.A. and M.A. in History), and to a summer school in Geneva in 1937 where she met a young Canadian, Saul Rae. They married in 1939 and formed a remarkable partnership for nearly 60 years. Lois worked for the National Film Board and the CBC, and then played an active role with Saul at diplomatic postings in Paris, London, Washington, Geneva, Mexico, New York and The Hague. Her warmth, grace, insight and good humour were unforgettable features of everything she did. Above all she showed the virtues of both wisdom and courage, and often helped others find their way in moments of difficulty. She was a loving wife to Saul during his long illness, and always a caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her summers at Big Rideau Lake, surrounded by family and friends. Lois spent the last 12 years in Toronto living with her daughter Jennifer. Her sunny yellow sitting room was a warm and welcoming meeting place for family, neighbours and friends new and old. A once-keen athlete, she enjoyed watching tennis, golf and horseracing, playing bridge and keeping on top of worldwide news and Canadian politics. She was a great support to her family at all times, and lived life to the fullest right to the end. When asked a few months ago about the message she wanted to share on the event of her 100th birthday, she said, "Enjoy life. That's the best thing to do. Don't think of where you might be if you were doing something else. Enjoy what you're doing and where you are, and love your family and friends. I've been blessed with a beautiful life." The Rae family would like to thank her outstanding team of doctors, nurses and caregivers. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Tuesday, December 9th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. A service of celebration and thanksgiving for her long and significant life will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at 2:00 at ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL, 65 Church St. Instead of flowers please give to the St Michael's Hospital Foundation, 30 Bond St. Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8 (www.stmichaelsfoundation.com) or a charity or cause of your own. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.