Lois Strehler

The world has lost a beautiful light. On June 26, 2020, Lois Strehler passed peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn. She gave her soul and spirit to her savior Jesus Christ and his beloved mother Mary for eternity. She will now be with her beloved husband of 67 years, Edwin, who predeceased her. She will be missed beyond imagination by daughters Lois Fornaro of Valatie and Rose Anne Lewis of Castleton, grandchildren Shaun Lewis, Dominique Ryan, Kimberly Lewis-Campbell and 9 great grandchildren, brother Donald Hamm, and many loved nieces and nephews who all wish her peace and love. Besides her husband, Edwin, she was also predeceased by her parents, Mabel (Hotaling) and Fayette M. Hamm and her siblings, Mabel, Raymond, Arnold, Edna, Dorothy, Olive, Lester, Ronald, Robert, Janice and John.

Before her retirement, Lois worked as Benefits Administrator at Sterling Winthrop in Rensselaer. She has several accomplishments but what she should be remembered for is her unconditional love and compassion for all beings. She was never too busy to listen to or lend a hand to family, a friend, or a stranger. It made no difference who you were, how old, how young, what you had or didn’t have. She gave freely of herself wherever she saw a need. Everyone was important. Sitting on the floor to play with grandchildren and then great grandchildren brought her much joy. She loved volunteering at St. John the Baptist Church through the ministries of: Gardening (flowers will miss her loving care), Bereavement (offering comfort to those who grieved) and Never Alone. She loved most helping Father George in his office. She was a true gift to all who had the honor of knowing her.

Calling Hours will be held from 11- 12 PM, Friday at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. A prayer service will conclude the calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be for immediate family followed by interment in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Valatie. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to kindly send a donation to St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie, NY in her memory. PLEASE, celebrate her life; love one another – don’t wait to let someone know or feel your love and concern. That is what this gentle soul would want, what would make her happy. With love and blessings to all – her family. “Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.” Mother Teresa