Thinking of Lois brings back fond memories of our neighborhood in Lucas Valley, CA. We were good friends and enjoyed those fun carefree days with young children. I was in awe of her creative skills and my girls were recipients of dolls and doll clothes. I will be forever grateful to her when my 7 month old son fell ill and she advised immediate medical treatment. He mysteriously contracted spinal meningitis and due to her help, he recovered without any lasting effects. Her medical perception was key to that. Thank you, Lois.
After she moved to San Diego, I only saw her once. We sat in the sun and had ice cream cones and talked fondly of those early years. She was always happy, enthusiastic, helpful and kind. I was fortunate enough to be her friend in return. Sondy Adams-Walczak
(Here's a photo of Sondy (on the left) with Lois and Susan Carney at Christa's wedding June 6, 1987).
 

Our family, the Petkos/Hildebrands from Germany have known the Sarneski family for a long time, dating back to an initial contact between Ernest and my father, Hermann Hildebrand.
Especially in the late 1970's and 1980's we shared several reciprocal visits of our families at each others homes in Germany and California. Our son Marc spent several weeks one summer with Lois and Ernest thankfully teaching him to drive and he was able to get his US driving license. I remember them being not too impressed with his initial (German?) driving style but especially Lois encountered it with grace.
Another fond memory of Lois' altruistic attitude towards others is documented in the attached photos of the redwood lumberyard/table. She did not hesitate to select the unfinished redwood slab at a bay area lumberyard for us and arrange it for shipping to Germany where my husband, Pet, built the unique living room table that is still the center piece of our living room in Heikendorf (photo).
We will certainly carry Lois' memory forward and our thoughts go out to Bettina and Christa and their families. 
Haide Petko with Wolfram, Marc and Colin

I met Lois in 2001 when I moved to San Diego to be with my husband while he was in the Marine Corps. We lived in the same apartment complex and she was our dear neighbor.  I transferred to San Diego with my job at Delta Airlines. Shortly after 911 our ticket office closed down and I was left unsure what to do with my career. I graduated from college with a degree in psychology in 2000. I spent time talking to Lois about my decision to get my masters in rehabilitation counseling at San Diego State University. She became a mentor  to me throughout my time in graduate school.  When we moved back home to Northern Kentucky we kept in touch only through Christmas cards.  We loved hearing about her adventures.  A few years ago we stopped hearing back from her.  I was so sad to receive notice just this past week of her passing.  We thought of her often and she will always hold a special place in my heart.  Rest peacefully Lois!  I look forward to meeting you again someday in heaven. 

Look what I found among mom's treasures.  A note of appreciation from her dear friend, Pam D'Angelo. Mom and Pam attended the Rehabilitation Counseling program at San Francisco State.

Mom loved Masterpiece Theater with Alister Cook.  In his dignified way, he would introduce the weeks installment of whatever treasure they were showing (Poldark, I Claudius, Up Stairs Down Stairs).  As the introductory music of Mouret's Fanfares for Trumpets started to trill, mom would always say, "I want this played at my funeral!" with a dazzling smile. Then we'd settle down for an enchanted evening.  

Towards the end of her life, Lois developed dementia.  This did not dim her love of life, but it did require her to have caregivers.  Lois was blessed to have several awesome, earth-bound angels support her for many years.  Sandra Castorena was one such angel.  Almost daily, Lois would look around her apartment at a lifetime of mementos and say, "I love my home!".  It was the devotion of her caregivers that enabled her to live out her life surrounded by happy memories.