A Tribute to my Aunt...
Lois May Schumacher (May 31, 1930 - July 5, 2015) was an unconditionally loving spirit. Most of her friends are gone now, so I am sharing her wonderful spirit with my friends, as she has impacted my life greatly.
Lois was the first Architectural Draftswoman ever hired at Seattle City Light (May 21, 1956). She later had an instrumental hand in the design of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. For that, she was selected as Seattle City Light Employee of the Year (1988). True to her humble spirit, she told none of us until we noticed the plaque in her condo.
My Aunt was a devourer of books on world subjects, and she loved a good English mystery novel. She had a beautiful Soprano singing voice, and sang in choirs and as a soloist over the years.
She was a world traveler, and took beautiful photographs wherever she went. As a young girl, Lois patted a Yosemite black bear on the head without realizing what it was. The bear tolerated it. :-)
Lois was a master knitter and needlepoint artist. Family and friends were recipients of her personally-knitted sweaters and caps. Her beautiful needlepoint adorned her walls at Foss Home on Greenwood Avenue since 2009.
She was a green thumb, and no plant wilted under her care. She was a classic home-style cook, who made her own bread, and wonderful pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving. Lois had a great sense of humor, and wrote charming "doggerels" to the rest of the family on our birthdays.
She loved Irish and Celtic music, especially songs which reminded her of the Scottish Highlands, one of her favorite trips.
Lois loved the Peanuts cartoon, and Snoopy in particular. Christmas gifts or birthday cards often included this theme.
When our immediate family was still new to the U.S. from Lima, Peru, Lois presented our family with a TV on July 20, 1969, the day of the Apollo moon landing. Culture shock!
Lois was a tremendous addition to our family, and she will be missed. Thank you Auntie Lois and God bless your journey.