Lois Sarno

Lois Elaine Sarno, 99, of Covert, Mich., passed away on Sept. 17, 2025, at River Ridge Retirement Home in South Haven, Mich.

Born on Nov. 4, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., to Frank and Marjorie (Cox) Blaney. Lois graduated from Covert High School in 1943.

During World War II, she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps to study nursing. After the war ended, she married her high school sweetheart, Harry Sarno on Dec. 15, 1945 at her parents' home in Covert.

After her children were born, Lois worked part-time as a nurse at Watervliet Community Hospital.

Lois went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1965 and a master's degree in 1968.

She dedicated 26 years to teaching at Covert Public Schools, retiring in 1981. In retirement, she served on the Van Buren County Mental Health Board and was a member of the Covert Retired Teachers Club.

She also was an avid bridge player and enjoyed traveling with Harry. Lois was a member of St. Basil Catholic Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her husband, Harry Sarno, who died in 2012.

Lois is survived by her three children: Jane (David) Cowan of Kalamazoo, Mich.; James (Edith) Sarno of South Haven, Mich.; and Gail (Lindsey) Smith of South Haven, Mich.

She also leaves behind nine grandchildren – Harry, Joseph, Maeva, Peter, Margaret, Keller, Lois, Samuel and Gale – and fourteen great-grandchildren: Donovan, Gwendolyn, Katelyn, Logan, Elodie, Jules, Geny, Archer, Henry, George, Trevor, Lynwood, Arlo and Theodore.

She is also survived by her sister, Margery Ford of Kalamazoo, Mich., along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

It was nearly impossible to have a conversation with Lois without laughing.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Filbrandt Chapel in South Haven.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 at St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven, with Father Jacob Sundararaju officiating.

Interment alongside her husband, Harry, will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil Catholic Church (513 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, MI 49090), Caring Circle Hospice (4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085), or to the hospice of your choice.

Kindly share your thoughts and memories of Lois online at www.starksfamilyfh.com.