An organization of orchid societies dedicated to the preservation of orchids
a fond farewell to lois holmes
A Great Friend of the MAOC
The Mid-American Orchid Congress lost a great friend when Lois Holmes passed away in early May, 2019. Lois was a staunch supporter of the MAOC, and was active in her local orchid societies as well-- first the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City and then for many years, the Orchid Society of Minnesota. She was dedicated to the American Orchid Society too, and was a long -time member of its Library/Archives Committee. The AOS recognized her valuable service by awarding her a sliver medal in 2017. She was ecstatic when finally the new Archive Room was declared ready, in March of 2019, at the new AOS home at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.
Lois and her late husband, Henry, were involved with the MAOC from its earliest years. Dorothy and Hermann Pigors recall sitting at the same banquet table with Lois and Henry at the 2nd MAOC in Chicago, in 1960! Over the years Lois served MAOC in many ways, as a committee member and officer. She was President of the MAOC in 1988-89. She also edited our newsletter, The Mid-American. Through the years she served on and/or chaired the Orchidist of the Year, Publications, Ways and Means, Historical and Constitution and Bylaws Committees. In 1989, MAOC honored Lois and Henry as our Orchidists of the Year.
Working until the End
She was a tireless worker who devoted many hours to maintaining the history of both the MAOC and the AOS, and she loved looking into the past and coming up with interesting stories about these organizations and the many individuals involved. She rarely missed an MAOC meeting and she always was the high bidder on any homemade goodies that Lowell Jacks donated to the MAOC auction.
She had worked tirelessly on the 75th Anniversary book for the AOS and was serving in that capacity again for the Centennial Celebration researching materials for the booklet when she passed away at her desk--still doing the work she loved.
Lois was never particularly interested in orchids themselves, but she loved the people who came with them. She made friends throughout the orchid world, and her dry wit and wicked sense of humor truly made her unforgettable. Rest in Peace, dear Lois. We will miss you!