Lois M. Steans Obituary

Lois M. Steans (nee Lois Mae Morrison), was born on November 30, 1933, in Lake Forest, Illinois and passed away peacefully on February 5th at her home in Bannockburn. Lois married Harrison I. Steans in 1957, and they shared over 60 years together.

Lois’s life was marked by creativity, humor, and warmth. A gifted pianist, Lois could often be found at the piano, playing classical music (Chopin was a favorite), or show tunes. Always a vivacious presence, Lois was well-known for her treasure hunts, creative stories and picture books, love of nature, world-class flower-arranging, and the ability to spot a shark’s tooth from a distance on her beloved Manasota Key beach.

A longstanding and active member of the Ravinia Women’s Board, Lois loved listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and took great pride in creating Ravinia’s Noteworthy cookbook — a process that involved testing, rating, and editing countless recipes, many of which are now family favorites. Her daughters have fond memories of elaborate picnics in the Ravinia park.

Lois was an avid gardener and a keen member of various garden clubs and of the Chicago Botanic Garden. In addition, Lois and Harrison adopted a class of rising sixth graders as part of the I Have A Dream program, and Lois spent many evenings talking to and working with Dreamers and their families.

Lois is survived by her sister, Maxine (Morrison) Hunter, her three daughters, Jennifer (Jim Kastenholz), Heather (Leo Smith), and Robin (Leonard Gail), seven grandchildren, Myra, Sam, Abby, Jessica, Leah, Sydney, and Nick, and many cherished nieces, nephews and grand-relatives. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her quick wit, gracious hosting, ability to identify birds and flowers of all types, along with her love of swimming and sun, and the joy she took in her grandchildren. We will miss the twinkle in her eye at sly or off-color humor, or when she got away with a particularly clever prank.

Lois struggled for years with Alzheimer’s disease, made more manageable with the loving care of Paz Saruca, Geena Chavez, and Luisito Muli.

There will be a private family memorial service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Lois’ honor can be made to the Ravinia Steans Music Institute.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois, please visit the floral store.