Lois K. Schroeder's Obituary
apanese Roots
Who knew when little Kiyoko was born to her parents, Sato Taro Niino and Gentaro Niino in the fall of 1922, that they would not be around to raise her. They had immigrated from Japan to Hawaii in pursuit of the American dream for their family. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kiyoko had two brothers and a sister. When Kiyoko was five years old, she was separated from her siblings and moved to the Salvation Army Girls Home for orphans after her parents passed away. At the orphanage, she adopted the more common name of Lois. Missing her parents greatly, if a genie would grant her one wish, she would wish there were no orphans in the world.
Pigeon English
Although Lois was Japanese she did not learn the language. The language Lois learned at the orphanage was a dialect known as “pigeon” English. Its base is English, with a mixture of Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese. Pigeon English is often referred to as the unofficial language of Hawaii.
After completing high school in Honolulu, Lois attended seamstress school and graduated with a sewing certificate. Her income at her employment with White Stag and Rolfe went a long way to supplement the family income.
Loves of Her Life
Lois, who was only 4’ 11”, attracted the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Schroeder. Her proudest moments were her wedding day and the birth of their son, Philip. She was also delighted when her husband graduated from college as she encouraged him every step of the way. Family meant everything to Lois and she always put them above her own needs.
Even though Lois didn’t drive, it wasn’t because she didn’t make an effort to learn. Both Dick and Phil tried to teach her, but due to her short stature, it was just too difficult.
The family moved to the mainland and made their homes in Milwaukie, Oregon, Long Beach, California as well as Seattle, Port Orchard and Tacoma, Washington. Her favorite vacations were those that took her back to the island of Oahu, where she was born, raised, met her wonderful husband and gave birth to her son. She happily left the driving to Richard!
The most challenging time in her life was in 2003 when her beloved Richard was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an auto-immune condition, and was paralyzed from the effects of the disease.
Virtuous Woman
Raised as a Christian in the Salvation Army Church, Lois loved Jesus, and her soft loving voice was often heard singing songs learned as a child. She stood apart from the crowd as the very essence of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31: 10 – 31. A loving, gentle woman, she was precious to her husband and son for “her price is far above rubies”. Strong, dependable, self-made and very hard working, she was the perfect mother, wife and friend. Kind and generous to all, her spiritual and practical wisdom as well as her moral virtues were a testament to her reverence for her Creator.
Food and Fashion
As regular shoes were very seldom needed when growing up in Hawaii, Lois developed a strong distaste for wearing them - she preferred wearing her flip flops.
On a cool evening she would wear one of the handmade sweaters she had knitted and convince Richard to wear his and take her to the Harbor Lights restaurant in Tacoma to savor the Captain’s Platter that included: crab, shrimp, oysters, salmon, scallops and cod. In Lois’s opinion, the only food that could improve that platter would be the addition of fried chicken! The view of the water on Commencement Bay never failed to enhance the experience for the devoted couple.
Lois loved her kitchen and was known as an excellent cook. She would enjoy great satisfaction when cooking Richard and Phil’s favorite dishes while sipping on either a Black Cherry Shasta or ice water. At times she would made Oolong tea for husband and chat about their day.
Heaven
Lois believed that she would see Jesus, Father God, the Holy Spirit and all who have gone before her in Heaven. Lois understood that there are no orphans in Heaven and that all children would be reunited with their parents. She would not have said “Hi-ya-call?” which in Hawaiian pigeon English means “What is that?” when she saw the Pearly Gates – because she would have known!
Legacy
The result of all her efforts – her family - is her best eulogy. The beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away at the Tacoma Lutheran Home in Tacoma, Washington. Lois was predeceased by her mother and father, two brothers George and John Niino and her sister Bertha (Niino) Bailey. Her husband Richard has since departed. She is survived by her son Phil (Mary), four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, who will never forget her.
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