Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lois Duncan Obituary
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Lois Duncan, a prolific writer of suspense novels for young adults who also chronicled her decades-long inquiry into the unsolved homicide of her own daughter, has died. She was 82.
Albuquerque-based private investigator Pat Caristo said Thursday that Duncan had died at her home near Sarasota, Florida. Duncan's husband announced on Facebook that she had collapsed in their kitchen on Wednesday.
Duncan was best known for suspense novels for young adult readers as well as children's books that were among nearly 50 published titles. Her thriller "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and kids' adventure "Hotel for Dogs" were turned into movies.
Duncan moved to Albuquerque in 1962 and taught magazine writing at the University of New Mexico. Her most personal writing chronicled the mysterious
1989 shooting death of her daughter Kaitlyn Arquette in Albuquerque as the 18-year-old drove home.
Duncan's decades-long inquiry into that unsolved homicide was chronicled in two books, the most recent published in 2013. Albuquerque police categorized the killing as a random drive-by shooting. Duncan never stopped searching for a motive and the perpetrators, said Caristo, who assisted in the effort.
She said Duncan aided other parents whose children's homicides were unsolved, and helped create a research center for cold cases that evolved into the nonprofit Resource Center for Victims of Violent Deaths.
"There are hundreds of people who benefited from her caring that no other parent should have to keep asking that question, who killed their child," Caristo said.
Duncan is survived by husband Don Arquette.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lois Duncan
June 21, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Duncan family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
fred ball
June 20, 2016
My prayers for your family,you are missed
June 20, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
June 19, 2016
My sincere condolences to Lois's family. Lois and I went off to Duke together in the autumn of 1952. I knew her parents, who were friends of my parents in Sarasota, and her brother. Her work was a gift to us all but especially to her young readers.
Dorothy ("Deedee") Dort Levy
Scarlett Allison
June 19, 2016
I grew up reading Lois Duncan books, but I hadn't read one since the late 1970s. On a whim, I revisited Ms. Duncan's books over the past few weeks, for nostalgia's sake. I had not heard about Kaitlyn Arquette's story, until then.I lost myself in the two books about it, and I am haunted by this tragedy. I devoured "Wolves" in one sitting. Later, hoping more information had been revealed since that book came out, I Googled the case. I read that Lois Duncan had passed away that morning. Her books imparted to me courage and wisdom, and in a way I feel as though I've lost a beloved friend. I am hopeful that mother and daughter "soul twins" are together again.
Molly Bazan
June 19, 2016
My deepest condolences to Ms. Duncan's family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Molly Bazan
Albuquerque, NM
Bonita Bryant
June 19, 2016
Oh, friend of my heart, I will miss you daily. When we met in Albuquerque as young single mothers, our children brought us together for the rest of our lives.
Wwells family
June 18, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Although your hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, our prayer is that you gain comfort and hope from God's promise to reunite us with our love ones on the earth, never having to say goodbye again. For Jesus will make this earth the problem-free paradise that His Father intended it to be. We have gained comfort and strength from this promise, may your family do the same.
Julie Edgington
June 18, 2016
I met Lois Duncan several years ago when she visited Ft. Myers. Such a lovely lady. She talked about her writing and what her personal losses influenced in her stories. Such a strong lady.
June 18, 2016
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Lois family and friends.
Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
June 18, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Diane Leach
June 17, 2016
Ms. Duncan's works were the companions of my childhood. A Gift of Magic was an especial favorite; I am 48 years old and even now recall Nancy, Kirby, and Brendan as if the book were open before me. My condolences to the family. Your wife/mother brought me enormous comfort.
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 17, 2016
rip
June 17, 2016
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Lois Duncan's passing. Her fine legacy will surely be remembered. May cherished memories forever be in your hearts and in God's book of life . . .
D
June 17, 2016
My condolences to the family on the loss
of your dear loved one.
At this difficult time is when we need a
encouraging word as we try to cope with
our loss.
May the words Jesus spoke at John 6:40
give you the comfort you need.
Chad Ericson
June 16, 2016
I'm very sorry for your loss. I am very saddened to read of Lois' death. She played a large part in the development of my reading skill. I was a slow reader, and at one point I was made fun of because of my lack of ability to read aloud fluently by some of my classmates. After school let out that year I vowed that I wasn't going to be that kid anymore. At the suggestion of my teacher I picked up Lois' books. I read everything I could through the summer, and really enjoyed reading her books. By 8th grade I was on track and getting straight A's.
As a father of two boys, I have encouraged them to read as much as they can for leisure so that they won't fall behind the way I did. I will never forget and will always be thankful for Lois' stories and what they did for me in my academic, professional, and parenting life.
Lisa Schaefer
June 16, 2016
I remember when I was in elementary school, the librarian suggested I read Lois Duncan. I was hooked after the first one. Thank you for all the stories.
Harry Simpson
June 16, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
DS
June 16, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
DS
June 16, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Scott Chamberland
June 16, 2016
Rest in Peace
Adrian Barnette
June 16, 2016
We'll miss you !
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Lois Duncan's name
Memorial Events
for Lois Duncan
How to support Lois's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lois Duncan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
