Lois J. Beland's Obituary
Lois J Beland (Oct 14, 1919 to Mar 12, 2021)
Passed away peacefully in her home on 3-12-21 at 101 ½ years
old. Lois possessed an unrelenting zest for life that took her out
dancing every week and traveling around the world every year.
Her active lifestyle and loving spirit made her a role model to
friends and family, young and old.
Lois was a lifelong San Diegan who graduated from SD High in
the class of 1937. She was raised by Frederick and Edith
Thompson, who throughout her youth instilled in her a
profound love for music. For decades, she was a harpist. For 25
years, she worked miracles for the students and staff of the
SDSU music department. And for eternity, she will be
remembered as a ballroom dance instructor eager to welcome
ANYONE onto the dance floor.
In fact, it was in the Mission Bay Ballroom that she first met
Claude Beland, a young Naval sailor from Kentucky. They were
engaged just before he went to sea. Six months later, on May
18, 1940, they celebrated the first day of their wonderful 54
years of marriage. Together they raised 2 daughters, Patti
(Englander) and Janice (Van Dussen Cashman).
Throughout her life, Lois visited over 70 countries. She shared
her love for traveling with others as a travel agent, founding
Mt. Helix Travel after retiring from SDSU. She took a South
African Safari in her mid 90’s, and was 98 when she last sailed,
just 3 years ago.
Lois is survived by her companion Tim Thomas, daughters
Patti Englander (& Hal Weiss), Jan Cashman (Van Dussen) (&
John Page), grandchildren Todd (& Cristina) Van Dussen,
Valerie(Van Dussen)(& Rick)Bushree and great grandchildren,
Brian and Austin Bushree, Alyxandra Van Dussen and Ian
Winkler. She is also survived by the members of the Elks 1812
Lodge who shared decades of dances alongside her.
As Lois moves onto her heavenly home, we remember her
strength as a matriarch of our family, her kindness as she
sought to see the best in people, and her echoing laugh that
revealed her youthful spirit. She has inspired so many to stay
young at heart. She truly led by example as she embraced every
opportunity to make silly faces with us and demonstrate that
romance has no age. We will continue to see her in the reddest
of sunsets, and the most lively of dance floors. Thank you for
showing us the power of living a love-filled life Grandma. We
love you with all of our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, Lois loved cats big and small. Please donate
to your favorite animal rescue center or the San Diego Zoo.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
How did Lois make you smile?
