Lois Elliott

Lois was born to Freda and Bert Erickson on July 21, 1923 at Wilcox Memorial Women’s Hospital. Later, a sister, Jeanne, joined the family that also included her uncle Carl Wikoff and grandfather Louis T. Erickson. Lois was a lifelong resident of Portland and attended grades K through 8 at Kennedy School. In recent years she worked with Tim Hills, historian for McMenamin Corporation, during the conversion of the shuttered school into to a school-themed inn and conference center. Verses from Lois’ autograph book grace the walls there in framed mosaics. Lois was introduced to 4-H Club work at Kennedy School and continued through high school, earning many awards and honors, including a trip to the National 4–H Club Congress in Chicago in recognition of her outstanding achievements, particularly in sewing. Lois performed with a dance studio at numerous venues throughout Portland and later demonstrated her skills in the ballroom. She excelled in tennis as a youth and enjoyed bowling and golf in her adult years.

Lois met Glenn B. Elliott while both were active students at Jefferson High School, and in 1944 they were married in Miami, Florida, where Glenn was serving as an Ensign in the United States Navy. While Glenn was deployed in the Pacific Theatre in WWII, Lois began work at the S.P.& S. Railroad Company, serving as a clerk. In 1948 their son Craig Eric was born, followed by Maureen Lee in 1952.

Lois’ first job was as a “center-aisle clerk” at the original Meier and Frank Store. Her expert sewing skills then led to contracting with a custom slip-cover company. In 1962 she began work in yellow-page sales for “Ma Bell“ -- Pacific NW Bell Company. Lois supervised sales personnel and instructed new sales employees. Women in sales often were jokingly referred to as “call girls.” She also represented Pacific NW Bell during United Way drives. Her talent as a sales and supervisory employee were widely recognized, and she retired after a fulfilling career in 1985.

Lois was a long-time member of the American Sewing Guild and participated in a number of charitable projects. She treasured her sewing friends and the gift items they made. Lois also was a valued volunteer at Albertina Kerr.

Lois and Glenn bought their first sailboat in 1969 and participated as members at the Portland Yacht Club from that time to the present. When Glenn was elected Commodore of the club in 1980, Lois was an outstanding “First Lady.” Over the years they headed many committees and worked on countless projects for the club. Lois had a love for the Columbia River and enjoyed numerous outings in the various sail and power boats they owned.

Lois will be remembered as a generous, talented, and loving person.

Lois is survived by her loving husband Glenn, son Craig (Inka) Elliott, daughter Maureen (Rick) Pointer, grandchildren Karen (Bjarte) Revheim, Douglas Tolonen, and Kirsten (David) Bellar, great grandchildren Thomas Tolonen, Kevin and Nicholas Revheim, and Brandon Bellar, sister Jeanne Armstrong and family, and brother-in-law Jack Elliott and family.

Family and friends of Lois will gather to celebrate her well-lived life at 1:00 p.m Sunday, October 30, 2011, at the Portland Yacht Club, 1241 NE Marine Drive, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Albertina Kerr, American Cancer Society or Providence Hospice.