BENDLER

LOIS of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, a life-long resident of the Detroit area, died early Monday morning July 19th, 2016, at her home surrounded by loving family. Born July 25th, 1929, in New Baltimore, Michigan, Lois attended Wayne State University in 1947. After heading the circulation department of the Detroit News for over 20 years, she retired and returned to Wayne State to complete her Bachelors Degree in Theatrical Arts. At the age of 84, Lois was the oldest graduate on record there and was recognized by the local media for her accomplishment. Theater was Lois' passion all her life as an Actor, Director and Set Designer with decades of work in the Windsor Light Opera and Grosse Pointe Theater, as well as many professional gigs including a speaking role in the feature film "Zebra Head". Lois also served, for over 10 years, as the Director of Pointe Players at Grosse Pointe South High School. Lois is survived by her three children -- Todd, Gretchen and Lisa -- 11 grand children and 17 great grand children. Lois requested memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made to Grosse Pointe Theater Scholarship Fund, 315 Fisher Road, Gross Pointe, MI 48230. Celebratory mass will be held at Christ Church Grosse Pointe Episcopal at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday August 13th, 2016.

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Published by Detroit Free Press from Jul. 24 to Jul. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Lois Bendler

11 Entries

Maureen Dye

July 18, 2021

Lois one of my dearest friends and true mentor and supporter has NEVER been far from my thoughts.. I will always miss here. I am now going to be 84 this August, the same age as when Lois left us. Love, sympathy and constant condolences to Gretchen and Lisa. Love Moxoxoxo

Maureen Dye

July 18, 2020

I do not need to be reminded to think about Lois. I think about her I mentioned her words to my kids very very often. And, I miss her all the time. She was my mentor, my cheerleader and was proud of me...which was mainly really due to her wisdom. Love, Moxoxo

Ronnie Voorheis

July 28, 2016

Lois's mother Aunt Edna has always been a favorite member of my family. Lois And baby sister Ila Jean spent time with us at Cass Lake every summer. My gang went to see Lois in many plays at the Windsor Light Opera and the Gr Point Memorial theater. My grand daughters were thrilled to get to go back stage. I can not say enough about Lois as she was one of the kindest persons Inever knew. We will miss her.

Kevin Minne'

July 27, 2016

I knew Lois since I was a little boy. She was always so very nice to me and my sisters. She was so talented and she was very sweet. She had a aura about her that's was beautiful. I was lucky enough to have a nice 20 minute conversation with her over the phone a couple months ago. I think I knew at that time it would be the last. I told her that I loved her. May she rest in peace xo

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July 26, 2016

Lois and her family have been a part of our family for over 60 years, and my Mother's best friend.

There are so many memories that I have to cherish , from all of the wonderful times our families had together to getting to spend time with her two years ago when I was back in Michigan. I feel so blessed that Lois was in my life for so long. I will hold her in my heart always.

Linda Dorr
Clemmons, NC, formerly
from Mt. Clemens, MI

Jason Bendler

July 25, 2016

A Detroit Classic. A remarkable woman, who unquestionably touched many souls and made the City of Detroit a better place. A fond memory that brings me joy...she and I, sitting side-by-side, sounding Cole Porter's Begin The Beguine...on a battered, old piano.
RIP Great Woman

July 25, 2016

Sincere condolences goes out to the Bendler family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn the loss of Lois.

Carol Gordon

July 25, 2016

What a beautiful, lady in spirit as well as appearance ...She's the embodiment of what , one can accomplish , when one, does what one loves. A great example and role model .

Jerry Minne

July 24, 2016

Knowing Lois completely changed my life for the better! I had been to a"headhunter" to find a better job than I had. He mentioned that Ortho Garden Products needed a salesman, but they required a Masters Degree to be hired. Coincidentally, Lois called me when she worked for Manpower, saying she needed 50 people to work at Montgomery Ward stores for 8 weekends to sell Ortho fertilizer.
I went to a meeting Lois held for the 50 people, knowing that someone from Ortho management would be there, so I asked a lot of questions. During lunchtime I introduced myself to the Ortho District Manager, asked for an interview and soon was hired for the best job in the world. I worked out of my home, had a free company car I could also use personally, never paid for a gallon of gas for the 23 years I worked there, won all kind of prizes, TV, furniture, etc., including two trips for two people to Europe, and a lifetime Chevron Corp. pension.
All because Lois remembered me when looking for some temporary help.
I could never thank her enough. I owe it all to Lois!
May she "Rest In Peace."

Erin Minne

July 24, 2016

We are sorry to hear that Lois has passed. She was talented, smart and warm. Lois carried herself with tremendous grace. May her family find comfort in their memories of her. She will be missed.

Maureen Dye

July 24, 2016

I have known Lois and her family since 1960 or before. All I can say is that Lois was my biggest supporter, my mentor, and was always my big sister who loved me and told me I could do anything and often told me how proud she was of me. I do not think there has been anybody in my life that so totally believed in me. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and always gave off the aura of one of the characters that she played...AND PLAYED SO WELL.. Aunty Mame. I thank God that I told her this is so many words several times over this past year in email. OH my God...I do miss you................Moxoxo

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results