Harlow, Lois Malee Heaven had been waiting 87 years for Lois' arrival, and she was greeted by her Lord and Savior with the words "well done good and faithful servant" when she got there on May 2 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. From her birth in 1933 in Hunter, Kansas until her final day at home in Maple Grove, Lois brought joy to the world through her thoughtfulness and unending concern for others. Her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the beneficiaries of her great storehouse of love and were constantly on the receiving end of her kindness in both words and deeds. Lois loved to cook. She could take an ordinary recipe from her vast collection of cookbooks - or something she just made up - and turn it into meal that would rival those served at five-star restaurants. Though she was never named Mother of the Year, there is no question she would have won in a hands down had she ever been nominated for the honor. But that was not her style. She quietly and humbly made life better for others. She never missed a friend's or relative's birthday, always sending cards and well wishes to mark the special occasion, even fretting if she was a day late. Even while facing terminal cancer, she knitted Valentines' Day hearts and sent them with an inspirational message to close friends and relatives. Lois was a faithful member of Elim Lutheran Church of Robbinsdale where she attended for more than 50 years. She was a member of the Altar Guild, served communion and played in the bell choir. She chaired the church's annual holiday bazaar for 10 years. Lois loved to sew, and she combined that love and her creativity to make countless creations that were the bazaar's hottest-selling items. The dish towels she embroidered year after year, handcrafted Christmas ornaments and plastic churches with music boxes inside were always the first things to go. Lois graduated from high school in Beloit, Kansas and married her high school sweetheart, Ed. They were married 50 years until Ed died in 2005. The couple came to Minnesota and settled in Brooklyn Park where Lois imparted life lessons to neighborhood girls as a Camp Fire leader. She worked in the registrar's office at Golden Valley Lutheran College and had a part-time job, fittingly at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. Lois was an avid gardener. Her peony and rose gardens were the envy of many. Lois was a voracious reader, often finishing a couple library books a week, even up to the end. Lois was a crossword puzzle whiz, and she showed no mercy when playing and winning at Yahtzee. Lois had an affinity for cats and a big sweet tooth. Anytime she was on a boat, Lois was armed with "Boating Pills," (chocolate M&Ms), which are now a requirement for any family outing. Aptly, her last "meal" was a Hersey's chocolate bar. In 2 Peter 3, the Bible says "with Lord, one day is like a thousand years, a thousand years are like a day." She will be greatly missed, but based on God's timing, we will all see you in about 15 minutes. Preceded in death by her husband, Ed, she is survived by daughter Amy Gonyea (Todd), son Tim, grandsons Michael Fisher and Andrew Peterson, granddaughter Dominique Gonyea, three great-granddaugh-ters and one great-grandson. Memorials to Elim Lutheran Church are suggested. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday with visitation 1 hour prior at Elim Lutheran Church, 3978 W. Broadway, Robbinsdale. Service will be live streamed on funeral home website. Gearty-Delmore 763-537-4511 gearty-delmore.com