Lois M. Strand, 88, of South Bend, passed away Thursday, April 12, at St. Paul's Skilled Nursing Home in South Bend, after an illness. 
Lois was born in Holly, Michigan, on Dec. 2, 1929, to Pearl L. and John R. Lutz, who preceded her in death. She is survived by several cousins and close friends. She was married to Kenneth Strand. 
Lois became a school teacher after graduating with a Master's degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs. She began teaching at Oak Manor Elementary School, but spent most of her career at Niles High School in Niles, Michigan. She was a patient and kind teacher and helped many students, both academically and with problems they were dealing with in their lives. 
She retired after more than 30 years with Niles Community Schools and enjoyed going to lunch with several groups of friends, both in Berrien Springs and in Niles. Lois also enjoyed shopping and at one time owned more than 100 pair of shoes. She was an independent spirit and lived on her own until failing health sent her to St. Paul's in the late summer of last year. 
Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs. Following her wishes, there will be no formal ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth and Lois Strand Endowment Fund at Andrews University or to any local food pantry, to which Lois contributed with monetary donations. Online memories may be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Apr. 22, 2018