Lois Marion Brown's Obituary
Lois Marion Brown (née Bowie), devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and local Ace Hardware know-it-all, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2024, tearing a hole in the world that can never be filled.
Born in Bremerton, WA on December 30, 1945 to Vernon and Elizabeth Bowie (Henderson), Lois was the third of four children. Surviving her are her loving and devoted husband Jim Brown of Gig Harbor, WA, daughter Jaycee Brown of Port Orchard, WA, daughter Sarah Lindsey of Gig Harbor, WA, cherished grandson Cohen McLaud and beloved granddaughters Stella and Raegan Lindsey, all of Gig Harbor, as well as “hyena daughter” Aimee Peterson of Gig Harbor. Lois is also survived by her sister Linda Jordan (Bowie) and brother-in-law Jack, her brother David Bowie (no, really!), and her brother Vernon Bowie and sister-in-law Karen. Lois was vastly loved and will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews, her Ace family, and the ever-growing family she had chosen for herself. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her son Ralph, and her granddaughter Emilia.
In September 1981 at Chugwaters Saloon Lois asked a cute cowboy named Jim to dance, not knowing in that moment that her life would become entwined with his forever. “JB” and “LoLo” were married on December 17, 1982 in a small ceremony in Bremerton, WA. They welcomed their first daughter, Jaycee, in 1983 and completed their family in 1985 with the birth of their second daughter, Sarah.
As a stay-at-home mom, Lois spent many years focusing her energy on her two girls. PTA meetings, jumping rope together, dumpster diving at the elementary school at the end of the school year for summer learning materials, helping with science projects… Lois did it all. When the family moved to Gig Harbor in 1994 Lois returned to the work force as a secretary for a Knights of Columbus insurance agent. However, it wasn’t until June 1998 where she found her true calling as a member of the “helpful hardware folk” at Ace Hardware. Lois was truly a staple in the Gig Harbor Ace, and was cherished by her coworkers and customers alike. If you had a question, you asked Lois. Both of her girls had the privilege to work at Ace with their mom. Jaycee worked with her for 3 years as a teen, and Sarah has spent the last 18 years working side by side with mom; laughing, learning, and enjoying every extra minute they had together as coworkers as well as family.
Lois lived by the words “God first, family, then the Seahawks”. Every Sunday she would pick up donuts at Safeway on her way to church at St. Nicholas Catholic Parish where she was a lector for the past 25+ years. She spent thousands of hours enjoying board games with her family and playing with her children and grandchildren. From August – February she could be found on the couch, holding hands with Sarah, screaming “SEA!!! HAWKS!!!” at the television as she rooted for her boys in blue. Lois also spent much of her time enjoying watching her “programs” like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Survivor, AGT, or any Hallmark movie with her husband. When they wanted to go out, Jim and Lois could be found traveling the region and visiting local casinos where they racked up their frequent flyer points, earned free overnight stays, and got free swag... So. Much. Swag. They also loved going to the rodeo together, fishing, golfing, and recently enjoyed a perfect date night out at the Roxy followed by pizza at Tony’s.
In the summer, Lois could be found outside in the backyard playing games or splashing around in the pool with the kids and grandkids, watching for deer and eagles, or just sitting and soaking up the sunshine with her girls and listening to Roy Orbison. In the fall, no one was safe from Lois asking for donations to the American Cancer Society. As a breast cancer survivor, she raised thousands of dollars through Making Strides, frequently making Pacesetter as one of the largest fundraisers for the organization. Walking each October as the “Bosom Buddies” became a family tradition of sorts.
Lois Brown, a beacon of kindness and unconditional love, will forever reside in our hearts. To her, age was always just a number and she maintained her youthful playfulness throughout her entire life. No matter the occasion, Lois always brought life, energy, and laughter along with her wherever she went. Her legacy, exemplified by her compassion and the joy and wonder she found in the little things, will continue to inspire and guide us. As we grapple with the loss of her physical presence, we find solace in knowing that her spirit lives on through the love she instilled in us, and that she will find her own ways to visit us earthside to let us know she’s still with us.
A mass to celebrate Lois’s life will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Parish, date to be determined. To honor Lois, the family is asking for donations to be made in her name to either the American Cancer Society (specifically Making Strides for Breast Cancer) or to the American Heart Association.
We thank you for the outpouring of love and support we have received at this difficult time. It is truly a testament to the life Lois led, that so much of her village is looking out for us.
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