Lois Ann Magnell passed away peacefully in her Woodbridge, VA residence on October 20, 2022, at the age of 78 after a seven year struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Lois is survived by her husband of 57 years, Carl Magnell, her two sons, Mike Magnell (Susan) and Eric Magnell (Stephanie), and her sister-in-law Marjorie Teaney. Lois is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Lucas Magnell, Ian Magnell, Ava Magnell, Colin Magnell, Annika Magnell, Clara Magnell, and Elise Magnell.
Lois was born in Mankato, Minnesota on April 23, 1944 to Arnold and Lydia Nienow. She moved to California at the age of 14, after her mother’s death, and lived with her brother Jim and sister-in-law Marjorie. She married Carl, a second lieutenant in the Army, in 1965, while she was studying to be a nurse and working as a nurses aide at Queen of the Valley hospital in West Covina. After their marriage Lois spent the next 26 years as a proud Army wife, overseeing 22 household moves, including 4 overseas tours in Germany and Korea, and hosting many memorable dinner parties.
Lois enjoyed her time as an Army wife, but her real happiness came from exercising her faith and loving her family. She was a believer in Christ and lived out that belief through service to others, especially as a bible study leader, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Lois was a dedicated and loving mother to Mike and Eric who grew up in a house filled with the smell of cooking, ever-present craft projects, and lots of lists everywhere. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially during the holidays when she would turn their house into a wonderland of decorations and prepare incredible meals for everyone to enjoy. She was talented and creative artist, and she expressed herself through drawing, painting, metalwork, cross-stitch, crochet, decorating, and many other crafts. She particularly loved to create interesting games and whimsical fantasies for her grandchildren to enjoy, like complex scavenger hunts, fairy tea parties, and epic knight sleepover adventures.
Lois expressed her love for others through gifts and acts of service. She was always staying up late crocheting a blanket for someone she was thinking about or baking dozens of cookies or loaves of zucchini bread to give to anyone and everyone simply because she cared. Since 2014 she was an active member of REBOS and spent much of her time enjoying the company and support of her friends there.
A memorial service will be held at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, VA on November 5 at 1300. In lieu of flowers, a donation to CurePSP at www.psp.org would be appreciated
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