Lois Agnes Sibley
Wednesday, January 27, 1943
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Age:
77 years old
Wednesday, January 27, 1943
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Age:
77 years old
Wednesday, January 27, 1943
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Age:
77 years old
Lois Agnes Sibley
Lois Agnes Sibley, 77, of Rochester, MN, held in loving embrace of her family, passed away Thursday night, March 12, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital ICU.
Lois was born January 27, 1943 in Easton, MN to William Sherman and Mary Fern (Halligan) Dunagan. She graduated from Wells High School in 1961. After completing a couple of years of nursing school, Lois married John P. Sibley on September 1, 1962 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. Lois worked as a nurse’s aide until the couple were well on their way to filling out their family of six children. Lois then began a home daycare business that she operated for 26 years, and was a loving and joyful ‘Mom to many’. For decades Lois was a cherished resource to countless families in their community. She truly loved the children in her care, instilling in them the key strengths of faith, kindness, character and love.
Lois and John lived a great love and adventure filled life together for 58 years. Lois loved fishing, hunting and the great outdoors. The couple especially enjoyed their annual fishing trips to Lac des Mille Lac, Ontario, hunting trips to Big Falls, MN, and numerous fishing trips to Ketchikan, AK, which were more about reuniting with dear friends than getting a deer or fish. Lois was an exceptional fisherman and John likes to say, “We have two fish on the wall, and I didn’t catch either of them…but somebody had to run the boat!” Statements like these were usually followed with a playful Irish wink from Herself. Lois loved traveling with John, including countless family road trips, multiple barefoot island cruises, and a ‘bucket list’ visit to Ireland. Lois was a member of the Elks Lodge Does, Eastwood Women’s League, Soldiers Field Women’s League, Rochester Police Wives’ Auxiliary, St. Francis of Assisi Hospitality Ministry, and the Emerald Society of Minnesota. Lois was very proud of her 100% Irish blood, and charmed those who knew her, as she embodied the words of her favorite song ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling’.
She is survived by her husband, best friend and soulmate John; son, Terry Sibley of Rochester, daughters, Mary Jo Brumley (Curtis) of Rochester, Sandi Gerick (Matthew) of Minneapolis, son, Tom Sibley of Minneapolis, and twin daughters, Katie Kauffman (Britton) of Lake Summerset, IL, Kelly Cooper (Darren) of Prosper, TX; Lois and John’s ten precious grandchildren, Alexandra Sibley (30), AJ Gerick (24), Mia Lindemann (22), Piper Gerick (21), Mackenzie Brumley (21), Sawyer Lindemann (20), Reuel Brumley (19), Tyler Kauffman (15), Hannah Kauffman (13), and John-James Cooper (6); her sisters, Esther (Sid) Brown, Margaret “Maggie” (Jim) Neff, and Fran Dunagan. Lois is preceded in death by her sisters Rosemary (Louis) Reiter, Kathleen (Ken) Morten, and her brother Thomas Dunagan.
The memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at St. Francis Catholic Church at 11th Ave & 4th Street SE, with the Rev. Jim Berning officiating. Visitation will be held preceding funeral services at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at 500 11th Ave NE, Rochester, MN.
The Sibley family understands that due to current concerns about travel and social gatherings, some dear friends or family may not be able to join us on March 18th. The family intends to host an additional Celebration of Life for Lois to be scheduled in the future.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Community Food Response of Rochester, MN and/or Seasons Hospice of Rochester, MN.
Condolences
The family of Lois Agnes Sibley has received the following condolences.
John & Sibley family,
So sorry to hear of Lois's passing.
She was such an incredible & fun loving person.
Always a smile & many times accompanied by a wink :)
Keep the memories alive & stay strong for each other during this difficult time.
Peace & God Bless
So very sorry to learn of Lois passing.
Thoroughly enjoyed all our times together.
Be strong John!
John Whelan
Our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with the whole family. We did not come on Weds due to the virus, but will be there at the Celebration of Life in the future! What a wonderful person she was!!
I am deeply saddened to hear of Lois’ passing. I fondly remember seeing Lois & John walk down the aisle at St Francis for 4:30 Saturday mass. Such a beautiful couple, so obviously in love. May you find solace in the knowledge that she is at peace, and may your abundant shared memories comfort you as you navigate this most difficult time. God bless you all.
John and family,
Lois was an angel ? on earth. Each of you are her very special family. She also cared and loved so many other children and families; ours being one of them. Lois took care of so many of us and John you helped protect our community.
She is now an ? watching over each of you always with her “Irish Eyes Smiling. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Love and Precious Memories to you all.
Linda, “Missy” Ed and family
Dear John,
My sister Paula informed me of Lois's passing. I'm so sorry to hear the news. I also couldn't help but smile while reading her obituary. I have been told many times that Lois used to baby sit me. Later in life when she saw me I'm sure she couldn't help herself from asking "what the heck happened to that guy"!
Of course my more recent memories of Lois occurred at Lac Des Mille Lacs. It was always a welcome sight to see a gray Lund pull up near us and work the same stretch of water. Of course those in my boat and myself couldn't help but notice that Lois always seemed to catch more than her share of fish in that boat. John, your excuse of "somebody had to run the boat" just doesn't wash. There's no shame in admitting that Lois out fished you often!
If memory serves me correctly, Lois caught one of her trophy walleyes just south of Burn Isle. I make a motion that we rename Burn Isle to Landmark Lois. I'll gladly make the sign and hang it!
I hope I see you up at LDML this spring John. I suspect there might be three people (Dana, Dar & Lois) seeing us off at the docks in the morning and welcoming us back on the return.
Know you are in my prayers during this difficult time.
All our best,
The Todd Wentworth Family
Duluth Minnesota
Hi, Sibley family. I was a "Loie kid" from late 1985 to early 1995. I am so sad to hear of her passing. I always viewed her as indestructible, indefatigable, and eternal. I guess in some ways, she is. All day today, I have been reminiscing about her, the house, and the other Loie kids. My mom, Rita, took the time to send me photos from the years I spent in that red house. I will never forget her enthusiasm for Saint Patrick's Day shenanigans. Today seems the most fitting to pay tribute to her. She will live forever in my memories, and in my heart.
As a parent of two "Loie" kids, I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Lois enjoyed life so much, and she shared that joy with everyone she knew. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Dear John and Family -
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy during this most difficult time. I was so sorry to hear about Lois and her passing. I know how difficult this must be for all of you. I will always remember her smiling face and what a caring person she was. When I think of our grandparents, Dora and Fred, I think of all those family gatherings and fishing trips. I know your family and you and Lois did the same. What a treasure. May she rest in peace and may your family be a peace knowing her love will be forever.
Your cousin - Diana (Swenson) Friemann and Mark Friemann
John, we were sad to see that Lois has passed. She was a grand lady and always friendly to us. We will keep you and your family in are prayers and thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Lois was such a such a strong, vibrant, and faithful person. When Fred and I would ever run into John and Lois; you could tell my there smiles how happy they were and how happy they make you feel. God bless you all.
Rest In Peace Lois! You are life of the party! Heaven is lucky to have you. Rest In Peace our dear, loving Lois.
??☘️☘️☘️
When we count our blessings, we count the Sibley family twice. God bless and keep all of you during this difficult time.
We will remember Lois and all the smiles she left behind, she was a beautiful soul!
Caralyn Anderson and the Wiebe Family
Sorry for your loss. Lois babysat our two oldest kids, Joe and Jess, back in the late 80s. We'll never forget her telling us the story that Joe and Sammy tapped into John's special beverage down stairs. All we could do if laugh. Lois was a special lady. God's blessings of peace to your entire family.
My deepest condolences to the family of Lois. Many of my dearest memories of Lois are from our days at OLMC when we were “besties” for many years. We got into a fair amount of trouble, especially regarding the nuns. Our lives drifted apart as we went on to high school and my family moved to Mapleton. Thanks to Frani for letting us know of her death, and thus connecting us with such dear memories.
So sorry to hear of Lois passing. Have wonderful
memories of her.
John and the whole family,
You are in our prayers as you are walking thru this hard time at the loss of Lois. May God put his arms around you and help you now and in the days to come. We have many fond memories that we cherish of Lois and the whole Sibley family. She was a great lady :).
Mike & Cheryl
John and family, our deepest sympathy! Lois was a great lady and you know that she's smiling on you from above. We always enjoyed her infectious smile and dancing eyes. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
John and kids,
I have fond memories of Lois! We enjoyed being your neighbors for 14 years. David and Daniel has a second home just two doors away and often wanted to stay at “Loies” and not come home. Lois was a leprechaun in disguise! She was loved and will be missed by many. Irish blessings will be said in her honor tomorrow. Oh how she’ll miss her St. Patrick’s day celebration!
Much love to all.
Peg and Wally
Lois will be missed by so very many, a tougher lady I’ve never known, a loving wife and mother not only to her own 6 kids and Many grandkids but so many kids she got off on the right foot as she cared for and loved As parents entrusted their children to her care We were blessed to share a dream of a lifetime with a trip to Ireland. I remember all the stories she would tell about sitting in the woods and talking to the leprechauns I have no doubt if ever a leprechaun were to visit with anyone it would be our beloved Lass Lois. thank you for being a second mom to our boys and for sharing so many great times together You will live in the memories of many . I hope you are dancing a jig ☘️with the angels ?as you quench your thirst with a cold beer.?
My sympathy to you John and all the members of the Sibley family. God Bless.
John and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Lois's passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during your difficult time. We will miss seeing her at church and church events. May God bless all of you and continue to provide comfort.
Doc & Teresa Cimijotti
Lois a wonderful daycare provider to my son. Chris, in the late 70’s and through all these years I have never forgotten her influence on our lives. Thank you, Lois, and enjoy your place in heaven.
When I heard of Lois’s passing, a rush of memories flooded my mind. I remember meeting Lois in 1979 when first moving to Rochester. She quickly became daycare for our then one son, then our second son. The kids loved going to “Loey’s” and many good times were had.
We lost touch through the years, but fond memories of “shoots”, camping, beers and a lot of fun will never be forgotten. RIP my friend. R I P.
John and family, With deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Lois. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph and Launie Smith
My memories of Lois date back to our very young childhoods when we were classmates at Mount Carmel catholic school in Easton. Lois was always one of the prettiest and most pleasant of our classmates, and I always counted her as a dear friend. We went on to attend and graduate from the Wells-Easton high school in Wells and so spent many hours riding to and from Easton to Wells on Orville Meyer’s school buses. We lost track of one another after graduation as we went our separate ways, but Lois and her husband came to celebrate our 50th HS reunion a few years ago and it way my pleasure to meet her husband of many years and to see Lois again. I’ve remained in indirect contact with Lois through her sparkly younger sister, Frani!
To All of Lois’ family and friends, I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss and hope you take some console in knowing that Lois made this world and all whose lives she touched a better place! God Bless Lois and all of you!
Respectfully,
Cash O’Rourke
Severna Park, Maryland
John please accept my condolences on the loss of your precious Lois. I know you have been on a difficult journey for a long while and a new one will start. I pray that God will provide what you need.