It with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lois Lea (nee Batstone) at age 81 at Hospice Simcoe after a struggle with cancer on August 8th, 2022.
She will be missed by her brother John Batstone and sister Judy Dempster, her children Jim Lea (Joanne), Ed Lea (Kelly) and Frank Lea (Tammy), her grandchildren Craig Lea (Madison), Nicholas Lea (Sam), Jacob and Jack Lea, her great grandchildren Etta Lea, Zander Lea, Elijah Lea and Lyla Lea. Predeceased by her husband Jim Lea (2001).
Lois was the eldest daughter of Jack and Edna Batstone.
Lois was born in Toronto and moved to Barrie as a child when her father opened Batstone Tire in Barrie. She attended Barrie Central Collegiate Institute.
She met Jim in 1960 and were married the following year. They began their married life in Toronto and shortly after had her first two sons, Jim and Ed. Later Frank was to join the family. After 10 years in Toronto, Lois returned to Barrie settling in Allandale.
Lois was a foster parent to four babies and welcomed four teenagers from the correctional homes into her life. She also looked after friend’s children when needed. She had a big heart (and strict rules) for the children in her lives, and bestowed wisdom on many.
Lois had various full and part time jobs through her life. The men’s department at Woolworths, Biltrite Cash and Carry and office manager for MacMillian House in Barrie.
There were many a summer spent at our cottage in Haliburton, where she had to ring a bell to bring the children in for dinners. Equally there were many parties around the lake that she attended. She had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh with gusto.
She loved her annual trip to Myrtle Beach with friends and family, and traveled places like Libya and Greece with her mother.
Her love of her children was deep and lasting. She was a world class stubborn person with a deeply moral attitude. There was little gray in her world, it was all black and white.
In the end she chose the method of her passing with her family at her side. She wanted the suffering to end for both herself and her loved ones. She was strong to the end.
We would like to thank the doctors and staff at Simcoe Hospice who provided a respectful and compassionate service to Lois.
We will miss her presence in our lives.
Cremation has taken place with burial beside her beloved Jim at a later date. Reunited at last.
In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Simcoe would be appreciated.
Words of condolence may be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca