Lois Elswick

Lois Elswick passed away on July 31, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, the city she called home. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lois was a brilliant and passionate soul whose love for theater, education, and community left a lasting impact on everyone she touched.

A gifted student, Lois graduated from Firestone High School in 1995 after skipping two grades—a testament to her sharp intellect and insatiable curiosity. She began her college journey at Tulane University in New Orleans before returning to Northeast Ohio to complete her bachelor’s degree in Theater at Case Western Reserve University. Lois began writing, acting, and directing plays in high school, a passion she carried with her throughout her life and incorporated into her time at the University of Akron, where she pursued her Master’s in Non-Profit Arts Administration. She directed compelling live productions, including works by Eugene O’Neill—one of which was reviewed in the Journal of Eugene O’Neill. She would often cast her youngest sister, Navarre, in her plays, blending family with artistic passions. As a graduate assistant, she lent her talents to the Dance and Theater departments, helping bring performances to life through thoughtful coordination and support.

Among her many theatrical roles, Lois brought charm and energy to the character of Janet in a spirited production of The Rocky Horror Show in Highland Square. The show developed a devoted following, packing the Highland Theater every weekend with laughter, music, and midnight magic. Her younger sister, Mary, fondly remembers coming up to see Lois perform, always proud and fully joining in the show’s playful audience participation. It was Lois at one of her most radiant times.

Lois was a gifted writer, editor, and academic aide who spent over 15 years helping students and professionals refine their work. She was also deeply committed to nonprofit work, including grant research and writing for organizations like Families Against Fentanyl and the Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties. Her successful grant writing helped fund Safe Zone training for shelter staff, promoting LGBTQ+ allyship and awareness—an effort close to her heart.

During her time at Case Western Reserve University, Lois hosted a campus radio show on WRUW called Beauty Scandal, where she explored music and pop culture. She even brought on Mary, for an interview, where they bonded over their shared love of music, particularly techno.

For over a decade, Lois utilized her writing ability as a concert reviewer for CleveRock, where she would attend shows in the Northeast Ohio area and cover artists like Marilyn Manson, Mötley Crüe, and Lords of Acid. She loved introducing others to new music and often brought loved ones, especially her younger sisters, turning each concert into a shared adventure.

While Lois was widely admired for her academic brilliance, those who truly knew her could often find her poolside, ready to swim. Her favorite pastime was being in or near the water—a joy that stayed with her throughout her life. During a family trip in her early childhood, Lois’s father fondly recalled arriving at the hotel and turning around to find her already in her bathing suit, beaming with anticipation for the pool—her love of water evident even before she could swim. That enthusiasm never faded. As an adult, she was a season pass holder to Geauga Lake just for their waterpark, drawn to the water’s calm and delight—a place where she could simply be. Her stepfather, Bill, fondly recalls summer days at Valleyview Lake Park, where he’d take Lois and Mary during their childhood in Copley. The two sisters were inseparable, racing up the steps to the water slide and laughing all the way down. Mary adored following Lois’s lead—whatever Lois did, that was the plan. Bill would stand at the bottom, arms outstretched, catching them again and again, as if time itself could be paused in the rhythm of their joy.

She was a voracious reader, consuming the works of writers like Ayn Rand, Janet Evanovich, and more. Lois was also a movie buff (The Nightmare Before Christmas was a lifetime favorite) and devoted fan of the Oscars, never missing a broadcast, especially with her beloved friend, Eddie Armani, or her mother. She also dreamed of a very fragrant future where she’d open her own perfumery, inspired by her lifelong love of fragrance. Perfume wasn’t just a luxury to her; it was memory, mood, and magic in a bottle. Her staple? Chanel No. 5.

Lois is survived by her mother, Lizabeth Medlock (Kramer); her father, Vance Elswick, and his wife, Charlotte Elswick; her stepfather, William “Bill” Fletcher; her sisters, Mary Labin (Fletcher) and Navarre Medlock; and her brother-in-law, Adam Labin. Perhaps the role she cherished most was the one where she played Aunt to Dane Labin and Mia Labin—two lights of her life. Her love for them was boundless and radiant, a reflection of the deep joy she found in family.

Lois was preceded in death by many beloved family members, including her paternal grandmother, Lois Potter Hill (for whom she was named); her grandfather, Gil Hill—affectionately known as “Papa Dude”; and her aunt Jeannee Elswick, lovingly called “Aunt Nini.” On her mother’s side, she was preceded in death by her grandmother Judy Barsh; her grandfather Richard “Dick” Kramer; and her uncle Richard “Rick” Kramer.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Lucy, whom she rescued off the streets of Cleveland. Their bond was deep and enduring—Lucy was her steadfast companion through many seasons of life, offering comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. Even after Lucy’s passing, her memory remained a quiet, constant presence in Lois’s heart.

She also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and friends who cherished her deeply. As one cousin put it simply and powerfully: “She was a force.” That force —of creativity, compassion, and conviction —will be felt for years to come.

Lois also faced personal struggles, including a long battle with alcoholism. Her journey reminds us that addiction does not define a person, and that compassion and connection can make all the difference. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available. Reach out with kindness—it’s never too late.

For confidential support, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit Alcohol.org’s hotline resource.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 7th at the Akron Hibernian Club, 2000 Brown St., Akron, OH 44319. Floral arrangements may be sent directly to the Hibernian Club to arrive on the day of the service.

• Family visitation: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Friends and community: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

All who knew and loved Lois are welcome to join in celebrating her life.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home 330-535-9186