BUTLER, LOIS CARRIE (NEE BRANDON)
Born on November 28, 1917 in Cannington, Ontario and passed away on May 22, 2014 in
Kelowna, BC at the age of 96 years. She is survived by her daughter Marcia (Eric) of Blaine, Washington; two sons: Bill of
Aurora, ON, Kip of Kelowna, BC and six grandchildren.
Predeceased by her husband Dr. Mel Butler in 1979.
Lois was a devoted wife and mother, homemaker,
mathematician, physicist, school teacher, college instructor, tutor and musician. She grew up in Cannington and Galt, Ontario, attending Galt Collegiate Institute, winning
scholarships to the University of Toronto, where she
graduated with a degree in Honours Mathematics and
Physics in 1940. She was one of only two women in her class of 48 math and physics students. After graduating, she worked as an investment analyst and later operated a radon plant for cancer therapy and monitored radiation
exposure for the Ontario Department of Health, Division of Cancer Control. In 1945, Lois and Mel were married in Banff, Alberta and moved to Kelowna in 1946. They loved Kelowna and Okanagan Lake and were both very active in the local community over the years.
After starting her family, Lois taught for many years at
Immaculata High School and Okanagan University College. She later managed the Canadian School of Ballet of
Kelowna. At the same time, she was very active in the BC Association of Physics Teachers, a Provincial Director and founding member of the Kelowna, University Women’s Club, President of the Kelowna Figure Skating Club and Lion’s Club Auxiliary and served as a director and member of many local organizations, including the Central Okanagan Women’s Liberal Commission, Project Literacy Society-
Kelowna, the Catholic Women’s League, the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Mayor’s Committee for Theatre and
Performing Arts.
Lois loved homemaking, reading, music, playing bridge,
gardening and excelled at all her chosen pursuits. She was very fond and proud of her many students and her home on the lake. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
The Butler family wishes to thank all the generous
caregivers who have assisted Lois in recent years, including the Tender Care Cottage, the Kelowna General Hospital, Dr. Jan McIntosh and the Kelowna Hospice Society and staff.
Prayers will be offered on Thursday, May 29th at 7:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 30th at 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC, with interment to follow in the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association – Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.