Lois Orr

Lois Orr
Lois Orr, 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on August 21. She bravely fought and accepted cancer just as she lived her life - with grace, determination, focus on family and kindness toward all.

Lois was born in Mayfield, Ohio to Robert and Frances Schutte and graduated from Chagrin Falls High School. After receiving her Registered Nurse diploma from St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing in Akron, she worked as an operating room nurse.

She and her husband John recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. While raising three daughters, they moved their family multiple times. Lois greeted each move with enthusiasm and logistical prowess. In each location she first made the new house a home and settled the kids in school. Then she dove into supporting her new community. She had a talent for making people feel at home and welcome and was known for many special dishes and her love of gardening. Her kind and gentle spirit drew people to her, and she was a mentor and inspiration to friends, colleagues, and especially her children and grandchildren. Giving the same compassion, acceptance and encouragement to all around her, Lois built confidence in others.

As her children grew older, she pursued her Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Akron and then owned and operated Creative Stitches, a home decor textile business, giving her talents in design and sewing an opportunity to flourish.

Lois was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) for over 40 years. She treasured her P.E.O. sisters and work. Dedicated to giving women education and support to achieve their dreams and contribute to a better world, Lois served P.E.O. in many leadership roles in her local chapters and as an Ohio state board member for seven years, culminating in her year as president.

One of her most recent roles was acting as business manager for her daughter Natalie's dance studio, Creative Motion Studios in Fairlawn, where she always greeted everyone with a smile and seemed to be able to solve just about any problem.

A member of the Bath Church, United Church of Christ, Lois's community service also included the PTA (serving as president at Richfield Elementary), WITAN, and the AGMC Women's Board. She and her husband John recently established the Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry and the Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center at Akron Children's Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Jennifer (Alex) Wilson of Carrboro, NC, Kathryn Carter of Toledo and Natalie (Brenton) Orr-Andrea of Akron; five grandchildren, Kalden Orr-Bills, Clayton Andrea, Avery, Audrey and Evan Carter; two sisters, Ellen Taylor of Columbus, OH and Jane Bardou of Clemmons, NC; brother, Robert Schutte of Chicago, IL.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., 4 to 7 p.m. FRIDAY, August 31. A service to celebrate and remember Lois will be held 11 a.m. SATURDAY, September 1st, at the Bath Church U.C.C., 3980 W. Bath Rd., Akron 44333, with Rev. Maureen Webber officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the Lois Orr Ohio Scholarship Fund #7760, P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer's Dept., 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312 or to the Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, One Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308, to benefit the Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)