Lois Margaret Smith, a devoted mother of eight, also took in foster children and had a soft spot for animals. “Under her high school yearbook picture, it said, `Aspires to be a good wife and mother,'” said her daughter Debra Larson. But people also “knew she liked animals and would tie abandoned dogs to our front door,” her daughter said. “There were always dogs and cats around.” Mrs. Smith, 70, of Park Ridge, died of Alzheimer’s disease Wednesday, June 23, in Arden Court in Elk Grove Village. She was born in Chicago, volunteered at St. Vincent Orphanage while in school and graduated from Notre Dame High School for Girls in 1951. She met her husband, Ralph, that year in her job as a secretary for the Army Corps of Engineers. They were engaged within four months and married in 1952, her daughter said. Mrs. Smith enjoyed sewing and frequently made clothing, drapes and bedspreads for her children. She was also a Cub Scout leader when her sons were young. “She always said if you really want something, you have to work hard for it, and that nothing is impossible,” her daughter said. “After my divorce she convinced me to go back to school, and I became an RN.” Mrs. Smith was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2002. Her husband died in August 2003. “She would have celebrated her 52nd wedding anniversary on the day of her funeral,” said another daughter, Patricia. Mrs. Smith is also survived by two other daughters, Kathleen Smith and Jean Dietsch; three sons, Randy, David and Michael; a brother, Charles Peterson; and 13 grandchildren. A fifth daughter, Marge Bradshaw, is deceased. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, and funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m. Monday in Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge. Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church, 920 Granville Ave., Park Ridge.
