Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.
Obituary
Lois Jean Kanzius, 93, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in Escondido, California. Born on December 20, 1931, in La Jolla, California, she was the beloved daughter of Walter and Blanche Kanzius. Lois lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep love for her family, and a steadfast spirit that touched all who knew her.
Raised in the coastal beauty of La Jolla, Lois spent her early years just a block from the beach. She often reminisced about long walks to the shore with her mother Blanche, brother Kenneth, and sister Joan—days filled with sunshine, surf, and the simple joys of childhood by the sea. These early experiences shaped a lifelong connection to the ocean and instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature’s peace and wonder.
A proud graduate of La Jolla High School’s Class of 1950, Lois began her adult life with determination and resilience. In March of 1952, she married Ray Dunn. Together they raised three daughters: Raelyn (born in 1954), Suzan (born in 1960), and Karen (born in 1962). Though their marriage ended in 1982, Lois remained a devoted mother and continued to be a steady presence in her family’s life.
For many years, Lois dedicated herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. Once her youngest child started school, she embarked on a new chapter—building a strong career as a drill operator at Singer Kearfott and later at GEC Marconi. Over the course of 26 years, she became known for her diligence and work ethic before retiring in 1993.
Retirement marked not an end but a new beginning for Lois. Her nurturing spirit led her to become a noon-time supervisor at Miller and Bernardo Elementary Schools. She also volunteered in classrooms, where her warmth and gentle guidance earned her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Lois” from students and staff alike.
Lois was known by many names—mom, bah, grandma, great-grandma—and each title reflected the deep love she gave to those around her. She was a good friend to many and cherished the bonds she formed throughout her life.
Travel was one of Lois’s greatest joys. Whether it was a local day drive along the coast or a road trip with family or an ocean cruise with friends or her mother, she embraced every opportunity to explore new places. Her journeys took her across the country to visit loved ones in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas—and across oceans to tropical destinations like Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, Greece, and Turkey.
She also had a passion for sports—cheering on professional teams like the San Diego Chargers and Padres—and took great pride in being part of her daughters’ softball teams. Hosting team parties brought her joy and allowed her to share in their accomplishments.
Though not affiliated with a specific church congregation later in life, Lois remained deeply spiritual. In her final days under hospice care, she found comfort in visits with the chaplain—sharing stories of her youth by the sea in La Jolla and reflecting on a life filled with love for family and friends. She faced the end of life with peace and grace, expressing faith that she would one day be reunited with those she loved.
Lois is survived by her two daughters: Suzan Norquist (David) and Karen Moris (Scott); nine grandchildren: Christopher Harrison (Vanessa), Crystal East, Anthony Tubbs (Kelly), Bethany Friedrich (Matthew), Elyse Jones (Jaret), Walter Tubbs Jr., Andrew Moris, Kathryn Lemler (Brandon), and Kellee West (Clifton); and eleven great-grandchildren: Nathan, Zachary, and Lillian Friedrich; Joe McFarlane; Trista and Tyler East; Teagyn and Juniper Jones; Wesley Lemler; Malachi West and Abigail West.
She was preceded in death by her son Patrick Dunn; daughter Raelyn Anderson; grandson Steven Tubbs; parents Walter and Blanche Kanzius; sister Joan Hoobler; and brother Kenneth Kanzius.
Lois Jean Kanzius leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
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She would often arrive at school at 6:30am, to have our custodian let her into the office, so she could get to work on copying, cutting, laminating, and prep work for all our teachers. She knew how to work the copy machine better than anyone, and served our school (and Miller) on staff and as our #1 volunteer! She always had a smile, positive attitude, and kindness to share.
One of my favorite memories of Lois was when my family brought her with us to a Quantum Academy School picnic. She was like a celebrity among so many students who remembered her from when they had attended Miller or Bernardo. She received many hugs and high fives from kids who were delighted to see "Grandma Lois" again. The smile on her face was priceless!
I am truly grateful for the years of friendship I shared with Lois!
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Service
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Lois Jean Kanzius. While we mourn the loss, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
The honor of your company is requested at a luncheon reception following the service in the RISE space adjacent to the sanctuary.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Friday, April 25th so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Please note the service was live streamed with the replay link included below.
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