Social Justice Warrior Lois Marcoux Passes

Obituaries

Social Justice Warrior Lois Marcoux Passes

Introduction by Patrick Jamieson, Victoria

Volume 39  Issue 10, 11, & 12 | Posted: December 28, 2024

I was able to attend Lois Marcoux’s funeral service December 12 at Sacred Heart in Victoria. Lois had served as one of the earliest volunteers with Island Catholic News from 1987, delivering bundles of papers to parishes in Greater Victoria for a number of years. She was particularly good pals with my successor as editor after 1992, Marnie Butler. Lois was very brave in her faith, she was what we call a social justice warrior, as a founding member with her friend Doran Doyle of the Victoria chapter of The Raging Grannies. In addition she volunteered constantly with Development and Peace, and the letter writing campaign to free political prisoners. She was a member of St. Iris community of Roman Catholic Women Priest until a traditionalist member of the clergy ordered her to quit attending. Always respectful, Lois took his advice without changing her inward assent.

Lois had presence, grace and a certain gravitas as a faith person, but her funeral eulogy depicted none of the above, much more of the flavour of a cookie providing grandmother. I found it strange bordering on weird not to be able to recognize anything of such a riveting personae in anything that was said. It was more like a roast than a fact driven testimonial.
If anyone is deserving of appropriate tribute, it is Lois Marcoux, a gracious woman with a calming touch. Rest in Peace.

 

MARCOUX, Lois Muriel
August 10, 1925 – November 10, 2024

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died peacefully at Mount St. Mary Hospital.
Pre-deceased by her husband, David Louis, Lois’ family today includes Margaret, Gene (Geri), Peter (Barb), Will (Jeannie), Mary, Lou (Tammy), Monica (Robin) as well as 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Lois’ early years were spent on a farm near Unity, SK. Following their marriage in 1949, our parents lived in Saskatoon, SK until 1972. That year they moved to Victoria, BC. As a child, Lois learned to play the piano and had a lifelong appreciation for music. Another talent was her patient gardening. Our mother was very interested in world events and politics; she always enjoyed good conversation and sharing ideas. Lois participated in a number of social justice initiatives in Victoria, especially ones promoting peace.

She was the core of our family who modelled gentleness and concern for others. We thank the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital for her good care.

   

Introduction by Patrick Jamieson, Victoria