Lois L. Varju of Joliet passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family

on January 4, 2023.

Lois' greatest source of pride was her large family. She will be greatly missed by her 8

sons and daughters Rudy (Paula) of Crossville TN, Roger (Michelle) of LaCenter WA,

Randy (Nancy) of New Lenox IL, Ricky (Marietta) of Oak Creek WI, Vicki (Ray

Denewellis) of Joliet IL, Lisa (Dan Dillon) of Minooka IL, Ryan (Micah) of Joliet IL, and

Regen of Joliet IL, as well as her 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was

preceded in death by parents John and Marjorie Schofield, sisters Edith Callaway and

Francis Gaydos, and husband Rudy Varju.

One of Lois' superpowers was fitting a family of this size into her home and cooking for

them for every holiday. It's not an exaggeration to say that she was the driving force in

the family's bond, closeness and enduring strength. Her sense of humor, laughter,

energy, resilience and example will live on in the traditions that will be embraced in

generations to come.

For over two decades, Lois was the voice of Silver Cross Hospital and Telephone

Operator Supervisor, greeting each caller with her signature friendly "Good Morning"

and "Good Afternoon" until her retirement in 2008 at age 70. Determined to continue

making a difference after retirement, Lois immediately began volunteering for Sharing

Connections in Downers Grove to help individuals, families and children in crisis.

As with every person she met in life, she touched each with loving compassion and her

welcoming smile, so much so that she was often revisited by those she touched

throughout her nine years there. Even more, Sharing Connections dedicated a section

of their facility "Lois Lane" in honor of her thoughtfulness and care in putting together

towel sets for families, often times laundering and bundling them in her home. She was

inspired to do this after meeting a previously homeless veteran who was using a t-shirt

to dry after showers - a story shared many times over the years. Her dedication

continues to inspire the staff and volunteers who share in her family's loss.

This is indicative of how Lois lived her life, viewing every day as an opportunity to bring

joy to others. This was evident early on while raising 8 children in a small home where

even the neighborhood kids called her Mom and knew her door was always open. For

Lois, there were no strangers and she regularly helped others anonymously without

expectation of accolades. It was important for her to do this, even during challenging

times, to instill a sense of service in her children, all of which are active in their

communities today.

Through her strong faith in Jesus Christ, Lois provided love when it was needed most,

laughs to brighten even the darkest days and warmth to everyone around her. This is

her legacy.

To share in her legacy, the family is hosting a Celebration of Life open from 11:30 a.m.

to 2:00 p.m. with ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on January 28, 2023 at Cherry Hill Conference

Center, 2505 E Washington St., Joliet, IL 60433. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that

you honor her memory by making monetary donations to Sharing Connections at

www.sharingconnections.org or by calling 630-971-0565.