Lois Anne Fox (Laub)
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934, she was the only child of Rosamond (Ziegler) & Louis Laub. Even as a child, she was confident and independent. She delighted in telling us how as a young child her parents would put her on the train alone, which she then took to her grandparents home in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. As a young lady, she also enjoyed going to the rollerskating rink and playing trumpet in the high school marching band. (As a mother, she would curl that strong lip, let out a whistle so loud, that all her kids knew it was time to go home!)
That confident, courageous spirit persevered, and she attended Ohio University, in Athens Ohio, pursuing a degree in Education. While living on campus, she met and later married John “Jack” McPherson. The young couple started their family, but continued to live on campus, and both completed their degrees. They relocated to Detroit, Michigan, had two more children but their marriage of almost 9 years would end. Lois’ parents would move to Detroit, to assist her with the care of their grandchildren so she could return to work. She started out working full time as a secretary at Tectronixs. After a couple years, she earned her teaching certificate, and started teaching business classes at Fraser High School. She enjoyed her work and students very much. She set another goal for herself, pursuing a Master Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University, which she accomplished by driving over an hour commute one way. She accomplished all of this, as a single parent, working full time.
While she was busy taking care of everything and everybody, she met her foxy prince, Don (Fox). She would tell me that she knew “he was the one” after their first date. They would have been married 40 years this November. During their happy marriage, they faced many challenges but faced them together with an enduring love that was reflected in the way they lived life supporting each other, accomplishing many personal and professional successes.
After leaving the Clarkston, Michigan area, they relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio. Lois changed course in her professional career, leaving education and transitioning to banking. She became a trust officer with the 5/3rd Bank, which she thoroughly enjoyed and did for many years. Then she started her own personal financial management business, called Strictly Confidential, which was a combination of all her professional skills. Her high ethics, talent for balance sheets, and that beautiful open smile and laugh, endeared her to all. Some of her clients became close friends. If anyone ever asked her why they should trust her, she would simply say “You don’t have enough money to steal!”
She was fun too, and loved the color purple, which was reflected in their home and her flair for style. As the responsibilities of raising children waned, they started to think of traveling. Don had the ideas and she enjoyed planning their trips. Whether they traveled with friends from church, or on their own, they saw a lot of what the world has to offer, making it to all the seven continents. Here at home, they enjoyed traveling in their Roadtrek RV, and took trips to Colorado, the East Coast, Canada and down to Florida, always with their beloved Papillion, Mandy.
She was our Mom, our wife, our dear friend, and she was a blessing for all of us, giving every bit of herself. She lived a life full of love, with family, friends, music, culture and an enduring spirit of fairness.
She is survived by daughters, Lori Anne (Oscar Planas) Amy Lynn (Greg Hadjian) and son Mark McPherson (Kim Nguyen). Her husband, Don Fox and stepdaughters, Diana Fox, Debbie (Bill Hart) and Dawn Fox. She is also survived by grandchildren Jenima & Shani Hadjian, Sonia & Anthony Planas, Mia McPherson, William & Robert Hart and Kris Fox. She also leaves behind many close friends.
We invite friends and family to her Celebration of Life service, on Saturday November 15 at 10:30am at the Newtown United Methodist Church in Newtown, Ohio (3546 Church St, Newtown). Her long time friend, Howard Preston, will be conducting the service. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Moundview House, 3130 Newtown Road, Newtown, OH 45244.
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