Lois Habib

Lois Claire Schweder (Mellor/Habib) September 7, 1952 – January 16, 2025.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Lois.
Lois was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 7, 1952. She was the second of
three girls. She, her elder sister Lyn and younger sister Susan accompanied their
parents Karl and Dorothy on a momentous move to Canada to start a Lutheran Church
in Willowdale (Toronto), Ontario.
Being a PK (Pastor's Kid), all the family were quite involved in the day to day of the
running of the Church. Her father obviously was growing a new congregation, and her
mother was the church organist, social director and gracious hostess. Lois became
adept at all of these things. She too became the church organist and choir director at
St. Luke's Lutheran Church, but also embodied the ideal of her parents in giving back
and being a good steward.
She attended high school at Newtonbrook Secondary School, where she was active in
band (flute) and playing piano for the musicals. It was there that she met her first love,
Chris Mellor, here, and shortly after they both graduated, they married in 1973.
Both Chris and Lois both worked separately in the insurance industry originally. They
settled in Toronto, and in August 1975 welcomed their first child Katie. In May 1980,
Christopher joined the family, and in July 1983, the family was complete when Annie,
the only one without razor-straight hair, blessed the union.
Lois changed gears after Annie and joined the Mellor family insurance brokerage. She
worked hard to achieve her insurance designations and enjoyed her time as a broker in
Ontario, whilst always working very hard at a second career with her musical prowess at
the church. She truly gave so much to so many. Her commitment to excellence in her
arts were to the benefit of many.
In the 1990s, paths changed, as they do. Lois and Chris separated, and, needing a
new horizon, Lois made a difficult, daring and courageous decision. She moved to
Sarasota, Florida with her two younger children, Christopher and Annie.
This was a leap of faith, literally. She ended up settling in with a great role in insurance,
and with a stupendous community of amazing people at St. Armands Key Lutheran
Church. The church became her mainstay and provided many amazing friendships and
much satisfaction.
Over time, she became a mother-in-law, grandmother and step-mother. She spent her
off time travelling back to Canada to visit family and friends, but she adored cruising and
spent many a week aboard a ship!
She met her husband Wahib, they married and settled into a lovely community in
Bradenton. They too traveled and enjoyed some amazing experiences, especially on
their trip to Egypt to visit Wahib's homeland and family.
Lois had a great sense of humor. She loved and was prolific at playing Jeopardy. She
enjoyed her people. She was generous to a fault. She was brave. Unafraid of death
and ready to be reunited with her parents, sisters, and other loved ones, she made
known her final resting plans and, of course, the music she wanted played at her
service.
As her family, we wish to honour her life, and if you have a story to share, please send it
to us.
We feel our mother would want to recognize the following people:
Wahib Habib, her loving and caring husband who has been diligent in his service to her,
especially the last several years where health has been at issue.
Her grandchildren, Liam, Daniel and Eleanor, Aiden and Isla, and Christopher Aidan.
Scott McDuffie, her loving son-in-law, and spouse to Annie who has been an amazing,
kind and supportive soul.
Greg Gaetz and Michael Dent, her spectacular brothers-in-law who took exceptional
care of her sisters, Lyn and Susan.
Her nieces and nephews, Suki, Noah, Emily, Megan, Aaron and Jeremy.
Her step-sons, Matthew (Teddy) and Forrest (Erin).
Her pastors, Robert Zimmer, Eric Wogen, and Kenneth Blyth.
Her children's family, all the Mellors, especially Chris and Jane.
Her special friend, Jane Hunder.
Her church family at St. Armands.
Her friends from St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Toronto.
All her Newtonbrook mates.
With love and kind thanks for your support and encouragement of our mother.
Katie, Annie and Christopher