Lois D. McDonley
January 14, 1942 ~ March 3, 2009
Lois McDonley (age 67) of Colonial Heights, Virginia (formerly of Arlington, Virginia) passed away on March 3, 2009 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. She was born on January 14, 1942 in Kankakee, Illinois to the late Howard & Bessie Diehl. Lois graduated from the University of Illinois & held Masters degrees from that institution as well as Roosevelt University in Chicago & Columbia University in New York City. Her marriage to Dr. Janeshwar Upadhyay in 1962 ended in divorce. Lois was the author of "Tales From India" as well as numerous other published works. Lois had been employed at Dominion Fertility in Arlington for 12 years prior to moving to Colonial Heights. She is survived by her husband, Frank R. McDonley; two sons, Prem K. Upadhyay & Raj P. Upadhyay (Sharon); & one grandson, Joseph Bradley Upadhyay, all of Colonial Heights. Other survivors include one sister, Sharon Lang of Annandale, Virginia; one brother, Joseph B. Diehl (Susan) of Seattle, Washington; & numerous nieces & nephews.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Dear Frank and Family, My mother, sisters and I used to work with Lois at G.W.U. We were surprised and saddened to learn about her passing. We were just talking of her a couple of weeks ago, and wondering how she was doing. Lois was a warm and giving person with a wonderful sense of humor. Her personality could light up a room. She was always full of love for her family. She always saw the best in everyone. Every time I hear Credence Clearwater Revival, I think of her. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robin Gorter Greene, Karen Gorter, Leslie Kerns and Laurie Kerns
Lois was my great aunt and I had great times with her. When I was little she would go to grandma’s house and she and I would have sleep over parties and she would make tea…like 2 pots, even though she knew we weren’t going to drink all of the first pot. We would put on music and dance (she danced kind of like a hippy). She always knew how to cheer someone up. Even if you were having the worst day or mad and didn’t know what to do, she could cheer you up. She always had something up her sleeve. Not only was she a happy aunt she was funny and silly and wasn’t afraid to act like it. But she would love you and she would be there to talk if you needed it and she wasn’t afraid to tell you her opinion, but most of all she was just kind.
My earliest recollections of Lois:she read books to me and taught me how to read; walked me to the library; taught me the stars and constellations; set up lemonade stands; built snowforts; took me sledding; helped me identify leaves and pressed them in a book; took me roller skating and convinced me to take 4 years of Latin. She loved Greece, Mexico and New Orleans. The greatest times of her life were with Frank and little Joey, her grandson. She was someone who always could make us laugh hysterically. She was a great sister to me and will be missed by all who knew her.
Aunt Lois was an extremely nice, caring, and loving woman. She was lots of things and never mean or cruel. Lois had a big heart with countless amounts of love to give. My best and favorite memory of Lois was that bad moods and sadness were unheard of when Lois was present. One day Aunt Lois, Grandma, my sister Layne, and I went out for dinner and Layne was upset and, let me tell you, when Aunt Lois caught a glimpse of those tears it was all over. Within a minute and a half, Lois had Layne’s mind off what was bothering her and had her laughing hysterically. For one woman to be so gifted to be able to put the glow back in my sister’s face in 90 seconds is just simply amazing. And for that I am truly grateful. For me it has been an honor and a privilege to have met, known and loved Lois McDonley. We love you and will miss you.
Uncle Frank & Family, When growing up, Aunt Lois was my FAVORITE Aunt in the whole world… even when she called me Jenny Any Dots… She always took the time to give me hugs and kisses and to teach me something new every time we saw each other… Sometimes she took me exploring in Grandma Diehl’s basement (which was truly dark and spooky) and laid out strange knick-knacks so she could tell me the history behind them… I truly believe this helped fuel my desire to continuously expand my mind (even in scary places). I remember when Lois used to belly dance and would let me play with the finger symbols… every time I see a belly dancer, I always think of her. Nertz! Need I say more? It’s through this unfortunate time that I realize how much my Aunt Lois truly meant to me and I really wish I could have enjoyed more time with her. It’s wonderful to know that AJ & Kyle were able to meet their Great Aunt and see how amazing of a person she is. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Jennifer, AJ, Kyle Diehl