The death of Lois Estella Dykeman, age 75, partner of Eldon MacDonald, of Jemseg, NB, occurred at her residence on Thursday, June 14, 2012. She was born in Lower Jemseg on May 30, 1937, the daughter of the late Arthur Stanley and Freda (Ebbett) Dykeman. Lois was born on May 30, 1937 in Upper Hampstead at the Ebbett House. She was delivered by Dr. Jenkins as many people in Queens Co. were in her day. Her early years began as World War II was just getting under way. She had childhood memories of the tough times war brought the community during that time and in years following. She recalled vividly receiving news of the war was won over the radio and running to the barn to tell her father Stanley resulting in pails of milk being thrown into the air in joy. Lois attended the local Jemseg School close to where the Women’s Institute hall is now situated. Subsequently she attended Cambridge High School then went off to Modern Business College in Saint John. Her career began with Canadian Pacific Railway and an eventual move Halifax where she worked with early computers and communications devices known as "teletype" machines. The technology was also being introduced to the Canadian Navy and given her skills she was invited to join the Naval Reserves and assist with training of personnel on board ships in Halifax. She had good memories of her service over her three-year posting. In time she took a job with Air Canada again in communications but was drawn to working as a flight attendant during the exciting early days of commercial air travel so she could see the world. Her various jobs in the transportation industry caused her to live in Saint John, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver and travel internationally frequently. In 1972 she returned to Jemseg with her son Ronald in her new "Ford Comet" and new beagle puppy named "Zippy" that the neighbor surprised her with only as she was getting ready to leave Ontario. She hoped to live a simpler life and focus on family in back in the safety of Jemseg. She used her savings to purchase some property and built a small but comfortable house to raise her son. She was very proud to own her own cozy little home and be debt free. A few years after her move in the later 1970’s she was joined by her partner Eldon. Despite challenges of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis Lois worked in the family business " Dykeman's General Store" for close to 20 years. It was not uncommon to see her in the store from 8 am or earlier in the morning to 9 pm or later at night. Shifts in the strawberry patch or on the back of a strawberry planter helping her brother Ronnie on the farm was also a common occurrence. She was well known as one becomes in a family business serving a rural community. Lois was a hard worker and took on other jobs. Many people enjoyed one of her egg salad sandwiches she would sell in the store to make a few extra dollars. She also graded apples by hand at the Gagetown Apple Exchange. Lois was a very committed parent and invested a great deal of time in participating in activities with her son. She frequented cub scouts, hockey, local horse shows and science fairs. She would transport kids and chaperon when asked to do so. She travelled to Cornwall in 1985 to help with the Canada Wide Science Fair. She hosted the instructor for the Oromocto Driving School to give a course in her small living room. Lois was a great facilitator and made sure her son Ronald had many experiences and encouraged him to travel, try new things and meet new people. She knew this would give him the skills and confidence to go on in life. In the early 1990s Lois spent most of her time assisting her aging father Stanley. With failing health she was not able to the perform physical work of general storekeeping any longer so she started a craft and clothing business called "County Shades" in the sun porch of Stan’s House. Here she was able to keep in contact with people in the community she build so many relationships with. Selling things was in her blood. When Eldon retired from driving truck and became an unsuspected vegetable farmer and peddler she would go with him to sit by the truck to sell produce on the side of the road in Doaktown. She again made new friends and relationships with people who would wait for the squeaky old vans filled with fruits and vegetables and call expressing concern if they did not show up on time. Lois enjoyed animals. When her beagle passed on she adopted "Parsley" her basset hound and subsequently "Hobo" the cat. She especially enjoyed her crafts and toll painting, which she realized she had a knack for later in life. Lois enjoyed making pickles and jams, as did her mother Freda. She attended and assisted with many functions in the Women’s Institute hall suppers, and breakfasts where the reception will be held. She also assisted with Sunday school at the old rectory. The past decade had been the most challenging since her heart attack in 1998. Despite this her many years in the community and friendships caused visitors to continue to drop by. She remained "spirited" and determined as always. She found new purpose in spending time with her niece Angie’s daughter Kalie Dykeman, and Natasha Snow her neighbor’s daughter as well as other kids in the neighborhood who would drop by. Today these youngsters would probably associate a visit with Lois with good cookies and treats but as they get older they will remember her little kitchen as a safe place they could go whenever they felt like it, stay as long as they wanted and have the full attention of an adult who was interested in them and sincerely cared about them. In the weeks before her death her doctors told Lois her heart was very weak and she may not have much time left. Despite this she managed to get back on her feet and make it to her little home she was so proud of. She was able to call friends and talk about future trips she would take with her air miles and cocktails she might have on emerald beaches. She was grateful to all caregivers and those who did the little things that helped her stay in her home over the past few years and gave her quality of life and dignity. It was her time to go and although her departure was not a surprise to those close to her many will miss her! Lois is survived by her son Ronald Dykeman and Ashley Press presently residing in Toronto, ON; partner Eldon MacDonald and his family; sisters Jeanne Cosman of Toronto and Dorothy Murchison of Saint John; sister-in-law Brenda Dykeman of Jemseg; brother-in-law Russell Springer of Salisbury; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Shirley Springer and brother Ronald A. Dykeman. A memorial service, conducted by the Rev. Alvin Westgate, will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 8, 2012 from St. James Anglican Church, Lower Jemseg, NB. A reception will follow the service in the Women's Institute Hall behind the church. Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB have been entrusted with arrangements. Donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church Building Fund, the Canadian Diabetic Society or the memorial of the donor's choice. Condolences to the family may be made through www.sherwoodsfuneralhome.com