Lois Foster Virgo passed away peacefully in Michigan on April 3rd, 2020 with the love of her five children and family. Throughout her life she exhibited such grace, dignity and courage.
Lois was born in the small town of Glenn, Michigan to Aimee and Frank Foster. It was obvious at an early age that she was born to be a performer! She took ballet lessons and was always singing to everyone. As children, she and her younger sister (Janet) loved going to the movies. After seeing a movie, Lois would perform the role of the main star for the following few days. Performing was something she embraced and did accomplish in her life.
The most important accomplishment to Lois was her children. She was married to John Virgo and had six children together. She is survived by her five children, who were her pride and joy and life gifts, Vicki Myers-Hilbert (Gary) of Pentwater, Jeff Virgo of Ludington, Todd Virgo of Scottville, Valli Virgo-Caperton (Jack) of Fennville and Taylor Virgo of Ludington. She also had many grandchildren Leith (Michelle) Myers, Shawn(Holly) Virgo, Kelli Virgo, Nicole (Scott) Shirey, Stephanie and Scotty Sadler and great grandchildren Kendell, Aiden, Emma, Alyssa Myers, Cassie (Aaron) Kennedy and Payton Tyndall, Ellie Virgo, Gavin, Ivy, and Penelope Shirey all of which she so enjoyed and loved dearly. She left a great legacy behind that will carry her memory on forever.
She is also survived by her sister Janet (David) Griffin of South Haven and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and admired.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Frank and Aimee Foster, her brother Raymond Foster, her older sister Marilyn (Leo) Conklin and her third child Stephanie Virgo, who passed shortly after birth.
Lois spent most of her early years in Glenn raising her children. She was instrumental in establishing the Glenn Recreation Club and served as secretary for the club. In later years she moved with her family to the Pentwater/Ludington area where most of her children still reside. Her life took her in the direction of starting a career in which she chose secretarial work. Her career included roles as a secretary in the Construction and Real Estate businesses along with being a Legal Secretary for a legal firm, an Executive Secretary at Sierra Pacific Power Company in Reno, Nevada, and her last job, prior to retirement, as secretary for Lands of Sierra in Reno, Nevada.
Lois was an adventurer at heart. Although it was difficult for her to leave her grown children in Michigan, she decided to move to Reno, Nevada to further her career and benefit options. She had some family that resided there however she may not have realized at the time what a brave and life changing move this would be. After her arrival in Reno, she got a job at Sierra Pacific Power Company however she also began attending local establishments to listen to jazz music. This is when she began her professional singing career, as Lois LaRue. Although she began her professional singing career later in life, she rose to be the star she was born to be. In the years to come she would sing jazz and was hired by the Crystal Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to sing on several European cruises from 1995, 1996 and 1997. She also sang with the big band “Sophisticated Swing” for 12 years during the winter months in Florida where she had a home in the beautiful gated community, Alameda Isles. While in Florida she sang with other various musicians and was a shining star in that role, as well.
During her time in Reno, Lois was an active member of The Professional Secretary Association and the Association of Records and Information Management (ARMA). She was also an active member in the local Sierra Nevada Chapter of ARMA in Reno, Nevada serving a couple of terms on the board as secretary. She attended Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, NV with her niece (Cathy) to further her education and skills.
With all her accomplishments in life, her best role was being a mother. This was a job she took very seriously and never stopped. She instilled honesty, love for one another, and a strong work ethic. She was one in a million! She was a fantastic role model, always carrying herself with unbounded enthusiasm, appreciation and gratitude. When she entered a room, everyone took notice. They would see a beautiful glamorous woman that had an infectious smile and air about her that would pass to others. She was a bright, vibrant shining star that will live on forever in the skies.
Most recently she found great enjoyment in participating in activities with her political party. She was extremely patriotic and proud to be an American. She was also an active member in her local church, “The First Church of Christ, Scientist” in Englewood, Florida where she served as a reader, worked in the reading room, and beautified the church grounds with her niece (Marilee). She served on many committees and did whatever was asked of her. She never slowed down and always had so many things going but enjoyed them all. Her home in Florida was her pride and joy which she loved improving with decorating, landscaping, and just making it a home. The summer months in Florida were too hot so she would spend time in Michigan staying with her children who took turns sharing her love and support. She was always helping them get organized and loved doing whatever they were doing. She also loved singing at local establishments in Michigan with her sister Janet accompanying her at times. They loved singing together and did so beautifully! Lois loved to kayak, take walks, and do any activity outdoors. She truly was one in a million!
There will be a “Celebration of Life” with her immediate family at a later date.
