Obituary of Lois Demaris Somerville

Lois Demaris Somerville (nee Eden) was born on May 11th, 1936, in St. Thomas, Ontario, and died of natural causes at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on May 26, 2026, with family by her side. “The Impossible Dream” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” were favourite songs that Lois loved up to her last days. She cheerfully sang along to the likes of Jim Nabors, Roger Whittaker and Keith Barry. She also loved family drives around Elgin County, especially when chocolate ice cream or stops at Tim Hortons were involved. Daughter of the late Elijah John and Edith Eden (nee May), of St. Thomas, Ontario, Lois is survived by son Todd Steven Somerville and wife Jamie, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, son Clifton William Somerville, Port Stanley, Ontario and partner Steve Schwitzman of Boca Raton, Florida and loving grandson Scott Maylen Somerville of Richmond Hill, Ontario, all of whom she was immensely proud. She is predeceased by her sister, Diane Long, (nee Smith) in 2003. Lois is also survived by many friends and several nieces and nephews, and other relatives. She remained close to her in-laws and her former husband Ronald Somerville (married 1957 - 1976). As a young girl and into her adult years, Lois had a natural love for animals, especially horses. She was a show jumping competitor. Throughout her life Lois advocated for horse and animal welfare through the London Humane Society and the Ontario Humane Society. She was often rearing birds, baby squirrels, racoons and other dependent or needy creatures. Lois enjoyed the company of her various dogs and cats over the years. Lois began her working career at the St. Thomas City Hall in the mid 1950’s. She became a county court reporter in St. Thomas and later a provincial court reporter in London, Ontario, where she eventually moved. In 1985 she moved to Newmarket, Ontario to manage the Ontario Humane Society’s York Region farm, caring for livestock, neglected and abused animals and assisting veterinarians as needed. Lois moved back to the St. Thomas area and became involved in the local chapter of the Arthritis Society where she assisted others by her volunteer work and counselling. Scrapbooking became a passion of hers, looking forward to showcasing her family photos and stories. She was also involved with genealogy. For many years Lois was with the Port Stanley Community Choir and was a member of Central United Church, St. Thomas, Ontario. The family wish to thank the wonderful and caring nurses and physicians at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, where incidentally she was born, and a big thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Royal Oak Senior Living, St. Thomas. As per the wishes of Lois there will be a family inurnment held at Elmdale Memorial Park in St. Thomas. The family is hosting a celebration of life memorial service to be held July 19th, 1 to 4pm, Lions Club Pavilion, Pinafore Park, St. Thomas, Ontario.