October 11, 1941 to June 12, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Margaret Root, at Sunnybrook Hospital in the early hours of June 12, 2026. Lois was predeceased by her beloved husband, the late Gordon Root. She was also predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Margaret Barber, along with her brother Earl (and his wife Doris) Barber.
Lois was a loving mother and is survived by her two children, Bradley Root and his wife Wendy Smith, and Kathie Patterson and her late husband Adam Patterson. Lois was the cherished Nana to her three grandchildren, Jessica and Connor Patterson, and Lauren Root.
She is remembered fondly by her nieces Brenda Mokren (late husband Don Mokren), Sharlene Ferizi (Nehat Ferizi), Shawna Petty (Mike Tippin) and Sherry Petty (Anders Langen). She is also survived by the extended Patterson family, and the many great nieces and nephews.
Lois was born in Guelph and eventually settled in Brampton with her husband, Gord. It was here that Lois became known to many as a passionate dietician who regularly held classes to teach weight loss. As many know, she lost 100lbs three separate times in her life. In fact, odds are that if you ever went to her house, she would have you step on a scale. Lois and Gord loved and regularly attended dances. On weekends, they would drive back to Guelph and dance the night away, always looking forward to the next one. If they were not on the dance floor, a competitive euchre game was happening amongst their large circle of friends.
The family would like to thank Sunnybrook Palliative Care as well as Chartwell Retirement Home Oak Ridges Memory Care, where Lois resided for the last two years.
Lois will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen St. S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Saturday, June 20 from 10 o’clock until time of funeral service in the chapel at 11 o’clock. Reception to follow at the funeral home.
Those unable to attend the service in person are invited to view the service through live streaming, at 11:00 a.m. or at a more convenient time for you, please click the following link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=46e50a27-73d1-4b5b-bde6-eb13bcc9ec04
You will be required to register for the service and then Forget Me Not Ceremonies will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. Their customer service team will guide you step by step.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in her memory: https://alzheimer.ca/en/ways-to-give.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Lauren Root
You’ll be missed, Nana.
Shirley Edwards
My sincere condolences to all the Root family. You are in my thoughts as you navigate through this difficult time. Sending prayers and blessings.
Marie Ciarrocca
Lois I know how much you missed Gord, you will be dancing in heaven together again. I understand how much you missed Gord and your dancing dates. I am 83 and I met you when I was 24. guess where, of course Diet Work Shop. I still remember your your question to me, so how long have you had this problem? Well I didn’t thing it was a big problem but I followed you through the years and we lived on the same street. I also met at your house for weight ins and coffee. I am going to miss you and I understand the hell you went through before leaving us. My condolences to your kids and family.
Caelyn Cholewski (Edwards)
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Root family ❤️
Lois was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. I have such fond memories of growing up and attending Christmas gatherings at the Root family home, where Lois was always a gracious host and an exceptional storyteller.
I will always treasure the time I spent with her over the years. My grandparents, Gary and Shirley Edwards, were among her closest friends, and through them I was fortunate to know Lois and experience her warmth, kindness, and wonderful sense of humour. I will always remember her wonderful laugh!
She touched so many lives and leaves behind countless cherished memories. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. ❤️
Lesley Harris
My deepest condolences to all of the family and close friends; I feel I know many of you through the stories that Lois told.
I had been part of Lois’ weight loss classes off an on for over 30 years (too many years at my own demise) – and she was so very kind and always called to check in on me when I hadn’t been for a while. Lois saw me through some of my darkest times, and I will remember her fondly for this.
I will always remember her voice reminding me of what I am supposed to be eating and not eating and her constant reminder to write down what I had eaten 🙂 The inspiration and the kindness she showed not only to me but to all of us that attended her Tuesday night class was second to none.
Lois often spoke of her own weight loss and through her own admission I hope she is buried with a box of donuts and a bag of chips.
May she rest in peace and may you all take peace and comfort knowing that she made a difference in so many lives. ❤️
jan Flynn
Lois and Gord merged with the Patterson clan when my brother Adam and their beautiful daughter Kathie married in 1997. We were instantly welcomed as part of the Root family. We celebrated many holidays together and spent lots of time cheering on Jessica and Connor at the rink. Lois was always warm and welcoming to us all. I loved her stories, her laugh and her positive and no nonsense spirit. She was a dynamo!! She adored her family immensely and was so very proud of her grand children. Condolences to you all. Rest in Peace Lois….you are no doubt hosting a party and dancing up a storm with Gord
Meredith + Yoav
Our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the Root Family.
The Roots were dear friends of our family and were present for all of our most important events with great enthusiasm.
One memory that really stands out arose from a trip I took to the mall with Lois and my Mother. Lois really wanted us to get ice cream. She herself ordered a “kiddie cone”. At the time, it made me laugh to see a woman my Mother’s age order a “kiddie cone”.
Now, in hindsight, I realize she wanted to enjoy the social experience of sharing a dessert, but found a way to maintain her trademark discipline. She understood that life is all about the balance of serious and fun.
We will really miss you, Lois.
❤️❤️❤️
Morag Vass
To Lois’ family, I just heard the news and offer my deepest condolences to you all. I can only imagine the hole that she has left in all of your lives as she was such a big part of it.
I met Lois in 1985 at diet workshop and stayed with her up until Covid. She was always so kind to me and encouraging and helpful. She was not only a diet counselor but a life coach always helping me through hard times in my life, and most importantly, a friend. I am deeply saddened by her passing and will never forget her and always miss her. Just knowing she’s in a better place makes it easier to accept.