Lois Ann (Leslie) Starr

Lois Anne Starr (born Lois Anne Leslie) was born on November 6, 1956 in Baltimore, Maryland and passed away on May 16, 2021 (at 11:21 pm) in Gainesville, Florida.  She is survived by her sister Gizelle Luccio (born Gabrielle Adele Leslie), her son Jason Starr, her grandson Skylar Berger, six cousins (Deni Stanley, Marie Schretzman, John Leslie, Andrea Leslie, Kirsten Leslie, and Gina Leslie) as well as their spouses and children, and her current furry family (Jake, Chloe, Ginger & Ruthie).

You simply can't talk about Lois's life without mentioning her love of animals. Horses, dogs, cats, and more were constant companions in her life. To know Lois was to learn about the animals that we share our lives with. You were guaranteed to have a cat in your lap if you visited her. Both a blessing and a lesson in grace rolled into one experience.

Lois lived with grace through the struggles placed before her. From being a single parent balancing work and raising a child to difficulties with housing, health, and food security, she faced it all with hope and optimism for the future. As hard as things got for her she kept love for others as her path forward.

Lois always corresponded with friends, family, and neighbors and took interest in the events of their lives. She shared news of marriages, vacations, and other events. She would relate the antics of the critters and progress with her garden. She had a benevolent curiosity about those around her and it broadened her appreciation for the world.

Lois immersed herself in other cultures and beliefs as well. As she met new people, she would read about the places they were from and the beliefs and traditions they practiced. She enjoyed the histories and stories from other cultures and adopted a variety of recipes and ideas that intrigued and enriched the lives of those close to her. She openly embraced the beauty and variety where she met it.

Lois' journey came to an early end, but we can remember her openness of heart, her optimism through hardship, and her wide love of this world. Her curiosity about others and drive to communicate are all things that serve us well in practice as we go forward. Lois is and will be missed, but she is only as far away as we take her memory and let it inspire our life for each tomorrow.

In the last months of her life her response to each seeming ‘set-back’ or challenging interaction on her journey was the mantra:  “It’s Ok, that’s the way it is. …  Life is a Gift.”  May we be able to grow into such a deep awareness of the sacredness of Life, despite any external appearance to the contrary. 

Composed by Jason Starr, May, 2021 (with sprinkles from Gizelle)

NOTE:  Lois has asked that gifts be given in her memory to the following – your local Humane Society, the Diabetes Foundation, or Heifer International.

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