Lois (Wilbershide) Van Opens

Lois Van Opens (Nee: Wilbershide), 87, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on July 9, 2009, following a brief illness.

Lois was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School and Marquette University. She worked many years for the Racine County Welfare Department. She was a member of the Junior League of Racine and St. Mary’s Medical Auxiliary. While she enjoyed volunteering in the community, her true passion was being a devoted wife and mother.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Francis; and her children: Peter (Gina) of Oconomowoc, Katie (Jeff) Nelson, Pattie (Rick) Otto of Racine; grandchildren: Matthew, Paul (Becky), Lisa, David, Julie and Libby; other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Helen Wilbershide; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Fisler; and nephew Bob Wilbershide.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 1 p.m. with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. A private interment will be held. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from noon until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church or St. Catherine’s High School.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their kind and compassionate care during these last few months.

Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main St., Racine 262-634-7888