Lois G. Witzky

LOIS GWENDELLA WITZKY, age 78, a long time resident of El Paso, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, December 2, 2011. She is survived by long-time partner Jerry Carpenter; son W. Gregory Witzky, daughter-in-law Robin M. Witzky and granddaughter Eleonora K. Witzky of El Paso, TX; daughter Valerie J. Atkins and son-in-law James Atkins of Plano, TX; sister Irma Jansen of Pella, IA, brother Bruce Meredith of Newton, IA, and their spouses; many nephews and nieces, and numerous other family and friends. She was preceded in death by husband Albert W. Witzky, parents Marshall G. and Velva Meredith, and brother Ervin R. Meredith. Lois was born and raised in Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State College with her BS in Dietary Science; she interned at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL. Lois married Albert Witzky in 1958 and they moved to El Paso in 1960. From 1967 to 1979, Lois lived in Jeddah , Saudi Arabia where she continued her career as a Registered Dietitian. In 1979, the family moved back to El Paso and Lois was employed for more than twenty years by the El Paso State Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation. Lois was active in support of many Masonic organizations throughout her lifetime. With long-time partner Jerry Carpenter, Lois has been honored for her steadfast support of Wallace Houston Lodge. In retirement, she and Jerry have given much of their time to supporting El Maida Shrine Temple, El Minya Court #46, the Shrine Circus, and other activities to support the aims of the Shriners Hospitals. Her other interests have included travel and the Pacific Whale Foundation. Lois was a warm and cheerful woman who taught her family by example the values of education, faith, love, and loyalty. Visitation for Lois will be on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Services will be held at the Sunset Funeral Home on Hondo Pass at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 7, 2011, with interment to follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Concordia Cemetery. Lois Witzky requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals. Donations may be sent to: El Maida Shrine, 6331 Alabama St.,El Paso,TX 79904.