Lois Margaret Markus

Markus, Lois 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 11, 2021, in Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by son Andrew and husband Lawrence. Lois is survived by her daughter Sylvia (Stephen) Mohn. Lois began her life journey in North Dakota as the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. From early childhood she had demonstrated an exceptional visual and musical memory, teaching herself to read music from church hymnals and play the piano using mostly the black keys. She was a curious, observant, and resourceful child who loved using her hands to draw, paint, sew and embroider. She enjoyed school and spent hours reading library books. In high school Lois played flute in the band and orchestra and delighted in art classes. She chose to go to Reed College where she found herself among kindred spirits. Her reading strengths allowed her to study broadly, focusing on early modern European history, and upon graduation she was awarded a rarely given prize for her senior thesis. Following a year as a researcher for the Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago, Lois accepted a graduate fellowship to Radcliffe College, where she noted that her classes were crowded with men returning from World War II. With an MA completed, she worked at Boston Public Library as a reference librarian in the History Department while taking further classes at Harvard. During this time Lois met Lawrence, a mathematician, on a blind date, and on the first anniversary they married in Paris, where Lawrence was completing a fellowship. A year later they returned to the US where their daughter Sylvia was born. They continued living on the East Coast while Lawrence established his academic career and welcomed their son Andrew. In 1957 the family moved to the Midwest when Lawrence accepted a position in the math department at the University of Minnesota. Eventually Lawrence added a long- term visiting professorship at the University of Warwick in England, which allowed Lois to immerse herself in her love of English culture. With the children away in college Lois was able to travel with Lawrence to conferences in the US and abroad, including Switzerland, Iran, Japan and China. It was during these years that Lois formed lifelong friendships around the world. Being a prolific letter writer, she shared thoughtful, detailed observations about her experiences, tailoring her correspondence to each individual's interests. Through the years Lois continued taking classes in art, needlework, piano, and organ. Later in life she mastered the taxing craft of bobbin lacemaking. She enjoyed visiting English village markets to rescue and preserve pieces of fine lace, gradually acquiring an extensive collection which she donated to a museum. Throughout her life Lois was fond of reading in foreign languages, especially French, German and Italian. She loved walking and exploring cities on foot and watching passing scenery from cars and trains. In later life Lois and Lawrence ceased traveling. Due to her remarkable recall of daily activities Lois had been encouraged by friends to record her memories. At this time, she began writing her life story, which eventually covered 55 years and exceeded 1000 handwritten pages. This accomplishment is one of her enduring legacies. She had an endlessly fascinating life, experiencing happiness and joy. Lois was blessed with many friends, whom she cherished and loved, and she was a devoted mother who cared deeply for her children. She wished to be remembered as a sympathetic and kindly person. Currently there are no immediate plans for a memorial service. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled. If you wish to donate in Lois' name, contributions are suggested to Reed College which had special meaning to her, or to a local art or music organization. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Lois Margaret Markus

November 7, 1924 - December 11, 2021

Tributes

Lois Margaret Markus

November 7, 1924 - December 11, 2021

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