Lois Jean Aey

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the unexpected passing of our beautiful mother, memaw, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Lois Jean (Blanchard) Aey, who passed away on June 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and endless love.

Born on October 20, 1948, Lois was a proud Spartan and part of Roy C. Start High School’s first four-year graduating class in 1966. A few years later, she boldly asked the love of her life, Willy Aey, to marry her—and he wisely said yes. They wed on August 7, 1971, beginning a life filled with love, laughter, and steadfast devotion.

While raising their three children, Lois devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom during their grade school years. At Longfellow Elementary, she was a constant presence, volunteering through the Mother’s Club, library, Girl Scouts, and as a softball and cheerleading coach. She was also a longtime, devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she touched many young lives as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader, often chaperoning trips to weekend conferences all across Ohio.

Later, Lois brought her warmth and dedication to the workforce as the secretary and office professional for the Local 50 Plumbers and Pipefitters union, where her contagious smile greeted everyone for 28 years until her retirement in 2014. At the same time, she poured her heart into coaching cheerleading at Start High School for 14 years, mentoring and inspiring countless young people along the way.

To know our mom was to love her. Her smile could light up any room, and her heart welcomed everyone. She had a rare gift for making people feel like family—whether you were a Local 50 member, the mailman, a neighbor, a nurse, or even the squirrels on her porch. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, whom she adored with love and pride.

Lois had a playful, adventurous spirit. She loved the excitement of bingo nights, the thrill of slot machines, euchre, and the peaceful joy of beach trips and cross-country travels. One of her greatest passions was golf, where she found happiness competing, laughing, and soaking up the sunshine with family and friends.

She lived each day with grace, humor, and compassion. She was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her, and her parting words to nearly everyone she met were: “Stay safe & have a blessed day.”, all while holding your hand.

She is survived by her loving children, Wendy (Doug) Steinman, Heidi Aey, and Kurt (Allison) Aey; her cherished grandchildren, Brooke Aey, Dylan Aey, Courtney McClellan, Sophia Steinman, Devin, Kade, and Dara Schroeder; her brother Garry Blanchard, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lois shared these last few years with her devoted partner, John Kominek, whose love and support brought her great joy and happiness.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Willy; her parents, Dorothy and Jerry Blanchard; and her precious granddaughter, Brayleigh.

A celebration of Lois’s life will take place at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. A burial service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Start High School Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund or Nature’s Nursery, two causes close to her heart. The family also asks that you honor her memory by sharing kindness, spreading joy, and always remembering to: “Stay safe & have a blessed day.”

Our sweet mom leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and joy that will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. Her life was a beautiful gift, and her memory will be a guiding light for us all.