Lois M. Fox, 94, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on December 18, 2023. She was born in
January 1929 to Eric and Mabel Nylen (Safstrom) in Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in
death by her parents and her husband, Dr. Richard L. Fox. Lois is survived by her children, Janet
Fox, Judith Fox, and Richard Fox Jr. and by her sister, Jean Griesenbeck.
Lois was the eldest of two daughters and grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Her formative years were marked by the Great Depression and World War II which instilled a
frugal and persevering ethic that she retained for the rest of her life.
After graduating from Maine Township High School in 1947, Lois went on to earn a BA in Biblical
Education from Columbia Bible College in 1952. Lois then completed training for her registered
nursing degree at Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, Illinois in 1956.
Lois married Dr. Richard L. Fox (Dick) in 1956 and worked with her husband on Saturdays in his
office. They enjoyed happy and fruitful years together until Richard's untimely passing in 1968.
Lois then worked for Munson Medical Center as an R.N., and later for home healthcare
agencies. It was important to her to do her work well and ethically.
After her husband passed, Lois moved to a home in the Indian Woods neighborhood in Traverse
City, where she maintained her residence and lived independently for over 50 years. As she
aged, she was serious about living a healthy lifestyle. She kept a healthy diet and walked for
exercise regularly.
Her Christian faith was always important to Lois. She enjoyed attending church, singing hymns,
reading & studying the Bible and being dedicated to the Lord. Community Bible Study was
especially important to her. She also participated in the Traverse City area Community Prayer
Gathering that had an emphasis on praying for the persecuted. Lois wanted to see God
honored in other's lives as well as her own. She was willing to sacrifice to do the right thing for
others.
Lois will be remembered for how she brightened people's lives with her humor and sense of
fun. Many will remember her hearty laugh, animated manner, and big smiles. She took time to
talk with those around her and enriched their lives with her interesting anecdotes and wise
comments.
The family would like to thank Boardman Lake Glens for helping to keep Lois active and healthy
when she could no longer live independently. Lois's Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00
pm on Saturday May 18, 2024, at Christ Church of Traverse City, 430 Fair St. Traverse City, MI
49686. Pastor Jeff Goodwin will be presiding. Light refreshments and fellowship at the church
will follow the service.
Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial
contribution to Christ Church of Traverse City, which regularly assists those in need by
operating a food pantry and providing a weekly community meal.