Lois Ann Mackinder

HASTINGS, Mich. - Lois Ann (Rozich) Mackinder, 85, passed away April 23, 2016, after a courageous seven-month battle with cancer.

Lois was born Jan. 6, 1931, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Dragos) Rozich, in Manistique. She was a member of the 1949 class of Manistique High School. Following graduation, she went to Chicago to attend Presbyterian St. Luke's Nursing School, completing her Registered Nursing Program in 1952.

Lois began her life's calling at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique and advanced to the position of Director of Nursing. While there, she met the love of her life, Robert Mackinder, after being introduced by a mutual friend. They became inseparable and married on Oct. 9, 1965. They moved to Milwaukee following Bob's career with the U.S. Forest Service. Their next stop was Laconia, N.H., followed by a transfer to Ironwood. Lois resumed her nursing career at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, where she continued working until her retirement in 1990. Upon retirement, Lois and Bob returned to the Mackinder Family Farm in Dowling, where they continued to reside.

Lois is survived by Bob, her husband of 50 years; her children, Melissa, Rob (Ann) and Phillip (Kristina); as well as her grandchildren, Madeline, Jacob, James, Charles and Martina. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Shaw; sister-in-law, Janice Rozich; special cousin, Mary Nelli; and several nephews and nieces.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Bob and Lucille Mackinder; brothers, Jack, Robert and Peter Rozich; sisters-in-law, Virginia and Billie Rozich; brother-in-law, T. Michael Shaw; and a nephew, Rory Shaw.

Lois was a very loving and proud wife, mother and grandmother. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. She loved to have a house full of family and friends. Everyone was always welcome. Lois also was an avid reader, a lover of crossword puzzles and enjoyed the treasure hunt of estate sales and auctions.

The family would like to thank the staff at Boschway AFC Home for providing loving care to Lois in her last couple of months. They would also like to thank the staff at Bronson at Home Hospice for the compassionate care she received, especially her primary caregivers, Robin, Donna, Bonnie and Diane.

Visitation for Lois will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 5 to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church in Lacey. Burial will take place in Dowling Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bronson at Home Hospice Services, 165 N Washington Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan, 49037, or St. Frances DeSales School, 210 Lake Street, Manistique, Michigan, 49854. Please visit williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Lois's family.