Lois McLean

Phyllis “Lois” McLean (Sheen/Howard) passed away April 16, 2024 in Salmon Arm at the age of 96.

Throughout her life, Lois regularly reflected on her early years in Anyox, BC, a small mining community near the Alaska Panhandle that served as her birthplace. She was just one of 391 people born there. Her parents, Maurice “Bud” and Phyllis Sheen and younger sister Joyce, lived and worked in the company town that was known for its vibrant community. The family participated in many sports and cultural activities like baseball, golf, basketball, tennis, dance, theatre and music. Bud often took centre stage at the Elks Club, an operation he managed, regaling packed houses with his tenor vocal and ukulele stylings.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Lois took singing lessons at high school in Victoria and then regularly performed solos and held lead roles in musical and theatrical productions throughout BC and Hawaii. Growing up, her children recall the continuous soprano lilt that emerged from the kitchen and garden and Phyllis’ flower shop where she worked as a florist for many years. Her grandchildren recall learning from gramma the song White Choral Bells on the shores of Sunnybrae.

In 1946, Lois graduated from Salmon Arm Senior Secondary when her family moved to the area from Vancouver Island. Her parents operated The Snack Bar on Front Street. Then, for the next 78 years, the area of Salmon Arm, Sunnybrae and the Shuswap would serve as the backdrop for her life story. In Salmon Arm she expertly performed the Lindy Hop, met her husband, got married and had children. Later, Sunnybrae served as a family holiday getaway during Lois’ years in Vancouver. And, in later life, Lois further honed her creative abilities as a member of the Blind Bay Painters and as a florist for various local events.

A quiet, but feisty, witty and conscientious citizen with high standards concerning art, flowers, the environment, customer service and especially cutlery placement, Lois is survived by her two children Maureen Howard and Jeff (Grace) Howard; three grandchildren Jennifer (Yanni) Marin, Joanna (Alexi) Vagelatos and David (Morgan) Howard; and seven great grandchildren Bijou, Edie, Raphael, Daisy, Alfina, Olivia and JJ. She is predeceased by her husband Angus McLean and her sister Joyce.

Lois and family offer their wholehearted thanks to the care teams from the Interior Health Service, Copper Island Care and, in particular, Gloria and Art and neighbours from The Burlington who went above and beyond! Thank you!

Love to you Lois, from all who follow in your creative path.