So sorry to hear of your loss Elizabeth and family. Although I didn’t know your mother, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her. My sister had the pleasure of working with her years ago and she too has very fond memories of her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

So sorry to hear of Lois’ passing. She was a terrific lady. She always brought donuts for the staff when she visited Holy Name School as our school’s trustee. She was so interested in what we were doing. When I’d see her at conferences she always gave me a warm hug. Most of all I’ll remember her for her wonderful smile. My prayers are with your family.

Elizabeth, so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Kim McGregor

Sincere condolences to the Burke-Gaffney family. We had the privilege of crossing paths with Lois for many years at Sacred Heart and Holy Name as well as St. Thomas Aquinas, St Gregory, Saint Marys, Bishop Carroll and the CCSD. She was an intelligent, caring and involved lady who enjoyed discussing the common sense and family oriented approaches to life. A wonderful woman who really made Calgary a better place to live.

Jack & Lisa MacDonald

My sincerest condolences to Elizabeth and the Burke-Gaffney family. Your Mother was a remarkable lady. I first remember Lois at a Blueprints conference – gathering us all together to celebrate. We loved her energetic presence, her quick comments and her ready laughter. Lois was a founding member of the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation. It was not only her faith and belief in the value of Catholic Education but her dedication and work that have left us a path to follow. She leaves a legacy of love.

May you all be comforted in knowing your loved one may well be in the divine presence of our Lord. The prayers of the Calgary Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada go out to family left behind as they begin their grief journey.

Loving God, You promised fullness of joy to those who seek Your face. Trusting in Your Word, we pray to You for our sister. Lois, who sought to further Your reign on earth by her service in the Catholic Women’s League “For God and Canada.” Though we are saddened that she is no longer with us, we entrust her to You with confidence. May she now live in peace, joy and happiness.

We ask this in the name of Jesus and our Patroness, Our Lady of Good Council.

Sharon Malec

President

Calgary Diocesan Council

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada

The loss of Mrs. Burke-Gaffney is the loss of an original grande dame.

We will miss her cheerful nature and great kindness at Little Shuswap as future summers pass.

Our thoughts are with Elizabeth and the rest of the family in this melancholy time.

Ian and Pamela Butters

Michael Annuik (Past Trustee CSSD)

Please accept my condolences on Lois’s passing. It was my privilege to have known and worked with Lois. As a new Trustee (and seated beside her) at that time Lois was always a voice of reason and passion. She always had the patience and understanding to help me become a better Trustee and person. Her passion, as well as her always sticking to what she felt in her heart was right, I thought were wonderful. Always stuck to her guns.

I remember having dinners at her home and our talks. She was was a wonderful and beautiful person and Mary and I will miss her.

Lois is never really gone if we remember her and her smile in our hearts. God Bless you all.

I had the pleasure of working for Lois 26 years ago, she was a wonderful and kind woman, not to be messed with and had such a good heart! My condolences to the family, I will always remember her fondly.

Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother and grandmother. She will be remembered by so many for her spirit and grace and incredible contributions to Catholic Education. She was an inspiration to all.

Our Lady of Peace School Council is very sorry to hear of the loss of such a tremendous light for Calgary Catholic. Lois was truly a champion of Catholic Education in this province. Her fire and spirit will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. We also know that her light will continue to shine on us all. Rest in Peace Lois, the gates of heaven are truly wide open and welcoming you.

My condolences to the Burke-Gaffney family and particularly to my freinds Kevin and Elizabeth. Your mother’s contributions to Catholic education and civic life in Calgary were exceptional.

What a wonderful Lady. I remember sitting with her at my beginning teacher luncheon, 25 years ago, and she was inspiring, kind, and funny. I will remember her bright smile and untiring work for Calgary Catholic. She will be truly missed but her work will live on in those who knew her.

Larry and Shirley Holloway

Elizabeth, Sean, Kevin, Noel, and Brian

Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother Lois. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss.

She was a very special person and had a smile and gift of laughter which made everyone around her feel happy. Lois was an intelligent lady and she had a lifetime of memorable achievements of which you should be proud. He remarkable role in the Catholic Education system will be sorely missed.

Our deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Lois was truly an extraordinary individual. She will be missed but not forgotten.

It was a pleasure and an honour knowing Lois. She was an amazing woman with a strong character and a kind gentle heart. We enjoyed our conversations at the annual St. Mary’s Awards evening which she enlightened with her wit and sense of humour. May you rest in peace, Lois.

My memories are of beautiful Lois in the choir loft of Sacred Heart church singing so sweetly along side my parents (Bill & Jean Howells).

Now, once again, she is back in the choir, the Heavenly choir.

She had a great sense of humour and a smiling laugh that made all feel joyful.

She was sunshine.

We remember Lois as a very accomplished, dedicated, warm and intelligent lady with a wonderful sense of humour. Hers was truly a life well lived. We were fortunate to become friends through our mutual work at the Alberta School Boards Association where she made a remarkable contribution on behalf of students.

We extend our sincere sympathy to her family in their loss of an exceptional Mom and Grandmother.

Lois is remembered. We worked together and served together. She will be missed. Our loved ones live through our memories. Prayers and blessings to the family.

Charlotte Blundon (Teacher, CCSD)

A warm thank you, Lois, for all your years of service with Calgary Catholic. Your strong dedication to Catholic Education has helped to foster and grow one of the best Catholic School Districts, not only in Alberta but in Canada and the world. I wish you peace as you rest in the arms of our savior. You will be sadly missed.

Kevin,

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. Pat and I are thinking of you.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Lois’ s family on her passing. Lois is a very memorable woman. I worked closely with her for 13 years, as Secretary-Treasurer at CCSD. I always admired her sprit, dedication and endless hard-work. I remember after working all through the night with her once, we had a Board meeting that afternoon. After a couple hours sleep, I felt and looked pretty burned out. But, into the meeting walked Lois, many years my senior, with hair freshed styled, in a beautiful suit, and as always, high heels. I often remember her at that moment. Lois had a phenomenol impact in her role as Trustee.

Elizabeth and Kevin

So sad to learn of your mothers passing. She was an amazing lady who was always giving to others.

Elizabeth, Kevin and family , Guy and I are very sorry to hear of your mothers passing . She was an amazing woman to be around and we are glad to have known her. Her strength and character lives on in all of you and the grandchildren. Life’s work well done Lois, it is time to be with your Lord and Saviour.

I loved the time when we ate Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies Grandma, and we saw a jack rabbit run past the window. I love you Grandma.

I sat with Lois not that many months ago… reminiscing about the school days with the Burke-Gaffney boys. She asked me how I survived and if I had scars and then she heartily laughed. I told her I was no worse the wear. She remembered my father, Ken Kelly – principal of St. Martin’s – where I met this family so many years ago. The conversation will be cherished and the memories were clearly good ones. Her smiles were genuine – and I was so happy to reconnect with Liz and Brian. My time with Lois was brief, but memories have a tendency to last forever. That’s the way it is when people make an impact. My love and sincere condolences to all of you. With heartfelt hugs, Lisa (Kelly) Wood

Aunty Lois was many things but what I loved the most about her was her smile and her wonderful gift of laughter which she always shared with us. Just thinking about her makes me smile . She was such a wonderful friend to my mom & dad we always felt like your Mom & Dad were a part of our family as well.

What a great Lady – I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing her.

My sincere condolences to the family.

11 Grandchildren, now that’s the measure of a successful life!

From your new team here in Singapore, our thoughts are with you Sean and your family.

Yours Sincerely

Kim Douglas

Love and Prayers to you all. Lois was a very special lady and will be missed by so many. I have very fond memories of our family functions with her that I will carry with me for the rest of my life

Kevin, Sean, Noel, Brian and Liz, So sorry for your loss! Your mom was one of our favourite people , she will be missed!!

Jane Ellen