Lois Elaine Brinker Stauffer of Coy Road, Livonia, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, June 8th, 2012 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She died of a massive stroke following a liver transplant operation.
Lois was born to parents James and Eva Brinker on April 28, 1943 in Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown, PA. She was raised with her brother Jim on a plot of the Brinker family farm. She attended Central Bucks High School and East Stroudsburg University, earning a degree in Physical Education. Lois married Phares S. Stauffer of Hatfield, PA in 1967. Their only child, daughter Tracy Lee, was born in 1973.
Lois taught P. E. at Quakertown High School from 1967-1973. She was the founder and lead teacher of St. John’s Luthern Church School in Ridge Valley from 1973-1985. She returned to school and trained to become a medical assistant, working at Doylestown Medical Associates until her retirement in 2002. Over the years Lois also worked as a homemaker, school bus driver, lifeguard and water safety instructor.
Over the course of her life Lois had many interests and hobbies that she actively pursued. She loved animals, specifically her childhood horses and her dogs. She loved to be outdoors. She and her husband Phares pursued many outdoor activities together, including waterskiing, boating, sailing, canoeing, camping, bicycling, shooting, fishing, tractors and motorcycles. Lois always enjoyed gardening, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Lois was extremely skilled in various handicrafts, specifically sewing, quilting and rug braiding. She was a member of the Valley Forge Rug Braiders Association and taught advanced rug braiding techniques. Her many handmade quilts and rugs beautify her families’ homes.
Lois’s greatest joy in later life was her grandchildren: Elise (age 11), Michael (age 8), Jocelyn (age 4), and Luke (age 2). She devoted herself to them through her time, talents, and love. She is survived by these dear grandchildren, her husband Phares, daughter Tracy and son-in-law Dave Berthin. She is also survived by her brother, Jim, of Oakton, VA, his wife Dorothy, their children Wendy and Michael and their families. She left behind her loyal canine companions, JJ and Gretel.
Lois was a faithful Christian woman who loved God and trusted Him completely with her life. During her illness, surgery, recovery, and death she was in perfect peace in the arms of Christ.
A Memorial Service will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 16th at 11am at Kevin Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree St., Rte 15 & 20A,Livonia, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC, 28201. To send a condolence or for further information, please visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I have many good memories of time spent with Lois back in high school.I left the area to go away to college, married & settled in the Lebanon area…thus our lives went in different directions. Memories are wonderful things, they’re with us forever.
“Mom” is what I called the Lois the mother of one of my closest friends. She was so full of life and had one of the biggest hearts of generosity that I have ever known! I could always know that every, and I mean every holiday I would receive a card with money in it from Mom. I still have the quilt that she made and gave me upon my first visit to PA with Tracy many years ago. And Oh I know Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival but I am very very saddened at the loss of her from this earth. How comforting to know that we will meet again some day. She is probably chatting my Grandparents right now talking about her Mississippi “daughter”. She was such a joy to my life and was always smiling and laughing. Lois would be synomous with laughter and joy always in my heart and I will never forget that smile. See you again one day soon Mom and love you always. “Pop” hold on to the precious memories of her and you and God’s strength be with you in this very difficult time. She is rooting you on in Heaven. Love you too.
I met Lois through rug braiding. Whenever we were at her home she was such a warm hostess. I was so impressed by how eager she was to share her wealth of knowledge with me and others. She showed me how to make the recycled wool mittens that everyone was making. I have since made over a thousand pairs and I often think of her the hints she gave me to make them quickly but with quality. It was also wonderful to share talk of dogs with her, as I have two myself. Her love of animals was so apparent.
And, of course, no conversation finished without her talking with great joy about her daughter and grandchildren. All this Lois gave me and we only met a few times. She was a very special person. I am so sorry for your loss.
With sympathy, Lois W. Rosenberger
We are so sorry for your loss. Lois was an amazing woman. She had an overabundance of love that she poured out on everyone she met. We are so blessed to have known her and to have enjoyed spending time with her on the farm in NY. She will be missed.
You, our precious friends, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracy and Phares,
I am so saddened to hear the news of Lois “Ma” Stauffer’s passing. I will continue to lift all of you in my prayers. I will remember her nurturing, witty, and vibrant personality. I will always remember most her love for the Lord.
Phares, Tracy, Dave, Elise, Michael, Jocelyn and Luke: Love and prayers are with you all. So many happy memories!
Lois loved life and her family. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences.
love, Judy