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KALEEL, Lois Ely
died peacefully Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at her home in St. Petersburg with her family by her side.
Lois was born in 1934 in Dayton, OH, the adopted daughter of Phila and Lawrence Ely. After high school, Lois graduated in 1955 from Stetson University in Deland, FL, which is where she met her husband, Bill Kaleel.
For most of her life, Lois was a dedicated mother whose 'career' was raising her children while Bill took the reins of the law practice started by his father. With Bill working many long hours and countless weekends, Lois contributed to Bill's success by maintaining a stable and loving home for the family. Longtime members of St. Petersburg Country Club, Lois and Bill spent many hours with their family at the pool participating in swim meets, on the tennis courts where Lois played doubles tennis, and undoubtedly on the golf course watching Bill play golf.
As her children grew, Lois became active in the family's law practice. She successfully modernized the firm's billing system and no longer relied on the bills that her husband would handwrite on legal pads. No stranger to working in an office, Lois's first job out of college while Bill attended law school in St. Pete was working for Bob James, founder of Raymond James.
Lois was gracious, kind, and quietly unassuming. Her beauty and elegance remained with her to the end. Lois and Bill were true partners throughout their enduring marriage. They both were grateful to have found each other at such an early age. Whether it was going for a car ride or just watching television together, happiness for them was simply being together. Their love is a true and enduring love story.
Lois is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Kaleel and her four children, Laura Kaleel, Bill Kaleel (Mary), Bob Kaleel (Susan), and Andrew Kaleel. She is also survived by her six grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service has not yet been planned. The family asks that donations in Lois's memory be made to Suncoast Hospice (https://suncoasthospice.org). Visit the personalized guestbook at www.AndersonMcQueen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My condolences goes out to the family in their time of sorrow. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Gwendolyn Haynes
October 25, 2017
Thinking of you.Fondly,Patricia Hardin Kelly
October 24, 2017
I am sorry for the family's loss. Half of my childhood was spent with the Kaleel family.
William Marallo
October 24, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. May you find peace in your beautiful memories.
Susie Goren
October 23, 2017
So sad to hear of the passing of Lois.I had so many wonderful times growing up as neighbors with the Kaleels. She was an amazing person and will be truly missed.
FRANK marallo
October 23, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Kaleels passing. My brothers, Frank and Bully Marallo practically grew up in the Kaleel home.She was a second mother to them, always treating them as though they were her own. I will miss her wonderful sense of humor,style, and grace.
Sharen Hyde
October 23, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your wife and mother of your children, Mr. Kaleel. I worked for you in the early 1970s. My name at that time was Shirley Kotrba. You always had a really nice family and it was obvious you treasured them. May G-d and your memories help you through this most difficult of times.
Shirley G. Smith
October 22, 2017
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