Lois Van De Sompele

Lois E. Van De Sompele was born on September 27, 1930 to John Lyman and Frieda Ruth Bolis in Davenport, Iowa. She was an only child and a farmer’s daughter. In addition to being savvy with farm chores, Lois excelled in academics, graduating high school early at the age of 16. She promptly accepted a full time job in the field of bookkeeping/accounting and had a flourishing career working for the Arsenal in Moline, Illinois, the Volkswagen agency and lastly for Southern California Edison until retirement. On April 22, 1950 she switched ends of the alphabet when she married the love of her life, Joseph Van De Sompele, who she first met on a blind date a few years prior. Lois was an avid traveler throughout her life; an adventurous jetsetter who traveled all corners of the world both domestically and internationally. From European and Spanish adventures with Joe, to Hawaiian and Australian trips and Greek island cruising with family and riverboat cruising with friends, Lois fully enjoyed all of her adventures and made friends wherever she went. The heart of gold behind her ability to befriend anyone, anywhere (a short elevator ride, for example) is also the heart of gold that she dedicated to giving back to the organizations she believed in. Lois devoted more than 18 years and 19 thousand hours as a volunteer for St. Joseph Health, St. Mary in the areas of patient hospitality, gift shop, the Foundation and the Junior Volunteer program. She served on the Volunteer Leadership Advisory Committee, on the Auxiliary Parliamentarian as a Foundation board member and held titles as the Auxiliary Vice President, the Auxiliary President, as a St. Mary Foundation long time donor and legacy society member, and as the San Bernardino Volunteer Area Council Past President. She even made an appearance on a local billboard modeling as a patient for a hospital advertisement. Lois additionally volunteered as a mentor for students at the Yucca Loma Elementary School and was a loyal Beta Sigma Phi Gamma Omega Master member for more than 50 years. Some of the many recreational activities Lois enjoyed included shopping, Bunco, Bingo and baking. She made the newspaper headlines for her chocolate mayonnaise cake (it’s way better than it sounds) and her carrot cake with homemade frosting could convert any carrot cake skeptic in one bite. Lois never missed a birthday or holiday with her handwritten cards, a rarity in this day in age. She loved the beach and spent much of her beach time at her condo in Carlsbad watching sunrises and sunsets, listening to the waves and making memories with her friends and family. Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and her parents. Lois is survived by her daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren and their spouses whom she treated as grandchildren, as well as two great-grandsons, all who will continue her adventures and cherish her memories always. On February 4th, 2017 a Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Lois Van De Sompele at Calvary Chapel High Desert, 14740 Eucalyptus St, Hesperia, CA 92345 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in her honor may be made to: St. Mary Medical Center Foundation, 18300 Highway 18, Apple Valley, CA 92307, 760-946-8841; American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG)

Lois Van De Sompele

September 27, 1930 - January 6, 2017