Lois Harvey, a face familiar to many in Howell, died Jan. 28.
She was a librarian at Howell’s Southeast and Hutchings elementary schools for 27 years prior to her retirement, after which she continued to be a substitute teacher in the district.
“Though Lois had retired before I joined the district, I had the privilege of witnessing her kindness firsthand as she continued to serve as a substitute in our buildings,” said Superintendent Erin MacGregor. “She was a warm, caring person who always greeted others with a smile. Her dedication and compassion left a lasting impact on Howell Public Schools.”
The Michigan State Board of Education named her Michigan School Support Person of the Year 2005-2006. Click here to read the resolution.
Lois was also an amazing gardener.
I always admired the beautiful plantings at the entrance of the Brandon Chase Condos at the corner of Riddle and Curzon streets in Howell, where my parents had lived. Lois, who served as the condo association’s secretary and treasurer for many years, made that garden her personal passion project, and if it was warm and sunny, you’d more likely than not see her tending it. Her growing talents extended to other gardens in the community as well.
Lois was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Howell for 46 years, and she served there as a deacon.
Born in Newark, New York, she and her husband, John, in 1966, the same year she earned her associate’s degree from Rochester Business Institute. She moved to Howell in 1978.
Lois is survived by her husband, John; her children, Lisa (Rick) Strutz and Tricia (Ben) McAllister; grandchildren Joey and Lindsey Strutz and John and Kate McAllister; and her siblings, Kenneth and Nancy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Anna Rommel.
A celebration of life for Lois will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church of Howell, 323 W. Grand River Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church in Lois’s honor. Click here for more information.
