Lois Jean (Snyder) Fischel, 70, left this world Thursday, March 22, 2012, from congestive heart failure. She was born June 2, 1941, to Florence and Frank Snyder, at Coeur d'Alene. Raised in Moscow, by her mother and stepfather, James (Tom) Posey, Lois was the second of seven children.
While attending Moscow High School, she worked as a waitress at the Tip Top Cafe. She developed a strong work ethic as a teen and became an excellent waitress, which helped her later to train servers and manage restaurants and cafes in California and elsewhere. She then married Edward Fischel, Sept. 10, 1965, in El Centro, Calif. Ed and Lois met in Moscow, when he was a sergeant in the U. S. Air Force and attending college at the University of Idaho. Major Edward Fischel eventually became a range safety officer at Cape Canaveral during the Apollo space program. The military family traveled from coast to coast 11 times, allowing Lois to visit all 50 states of the country she loved.
Her greatest accomplishment was being a stay-at-home mother to her four children, Connie, Kyle, Mike and Debi, and helping them to become the caring, loving and good citizens they are today. The most difficult time of Lois' life was helping Ed during his battle with multiple sclerosis. Standing by his side, they fought the good fight, and by giving him love, care and encouragement, she made the last stage of Ed's life meaningful and memorable. He died May 23, 2002, on his own terms, with his loving wife with him until the end.
She then moved to Tacoma, and then to Lewiston, to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After moving to Lewiston in 2006, Lois worked at Wedgewood Terrace Assisted Living, as a medical technician and a cook for the residents, whom she not only cared for, but loved.
This world is better because Lois, one of God's special people, gave her life in service to others. She was eternally thankful to those who had supported her through hard times and believed wholeheartedly in paying it forward. Always more generous to others than to herself, she dedicated herself to members of her family, friends and strangers - who then became friends. She believed in a Heavenly Father; she believed in forgiveness; she believed in karma. Many times throughout her life, Lois worked 16 hours a day. Many times, she had two jobs at the same time. Whatever it took to meet her obligations, she would do it. When she enters the golden gates of Heaven, she will hear, "Well, done, my good and faithful servant. Put your feet up."
Lois was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brothers, Robert (Butch) and Danny. She is survived by her Aunt Ruth of Post Falls, Idaho, who was like a mother to her; her children, Connie (and Chris) of Tacoma, Kyle (and Nikki) of Lewiston, Mike (and Brenda) of Texas, and Debi of California; siblings, Margie of Genesee, Hank (and Carol) of Lewiston, Judy (and David) of Potlatch, Mary (and Gary) of Clarkston, Richard in Oregon; and brother-in-law, Ken (and Elaine) of Clarkston; six grandchildren, Brian, Chelsey, Ashley, Dylan, Crystal and Michael; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. April 27 at Moscow Cemetery followed by a family gathering.
