Lois Mae Diess (nee Croner)

November 9, 1927- December 17, 2021

Lois Diess, aged 94, passed away peacefully with her children by her side in Mission Viejo, CA on Dec 17, 2021.

Lois was born on November 09, 1927, the elder daughter of Mildred and Charles Croner of Eugene, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil E. Diess, M.D., younger sister Barbara Stach and Brother-in-Law, Henry Stach.

Lois lived in Oregon for 35 years attending school in Oakridge, OR and the University of Oregon, where she joined Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Throughout her life, she maintained contact with her sorority sisters from Alpha Xi Delta.

Lois was a member of Eastern Star. She was a member of Downey Alumnae Panhellenic and the Downey Shrinettes. Lois received a 25-year service award for delivering Meals on Wheels and earned an Honorary Service Award from the Downey PTA. She was a charter member of the Los Angeles County Medical Association Alliance (LACMAA), District 10, the Downey area district. She was highly active in the organization for many years and served as President for several years. Lois also served LACMAA at the county level as Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Newsletter Editor and President’s Aide. Lois participated in events and activities into her 90’s and was a dear friend to many of her fellow physician spouses.

Lois married Neil E. Diess, M.D. on December 29, 1946. They moved to Downey, CA in 1963 where she lived in the same house for 56 years. Lois and Neil were happily married for 57 years until his death in 2004. In 2020, Lois moved to The Wellington, a senior living community in Laguna Hills, CA.

When Lois was not busy being a mom or volunteering, she enjoyed playing bridge. She was an excellent player and would play up to five times a week. Her bridge friends will miss her dearly. Lois also enjoyed entertaining. For many years, her Fourth of July Parties in Laguna Beach were the place to be. She will also be remembered by the many who faithfully, every year, received birthday, anniversary, and all other occasion cards. If you were really lucky, you would be the recipient of her famed Baked Alaska Birthday Cake!

Lois had a busy, fulfilling life being Mom to Richard Diess, Karen Diess Tilley, (John), and Susan Diess McDermott (Joseph Rayball); Grandma to Alyson (Tilley) Cornelius, Kirk Tilley, Shannon Tilley, and Erin Tilley; and Great Grandma to Henry and Adeline Cornelius. Lois also enjoyed being (Step) Grandma to Samantha Rayball, Sabrina Mikos, and Rachel Randall; and (Step) Great Grandma to Bailey Richard, Adam and Olivia Mikos, and Lincoln and Norah Chow.

Lois was laid to rest next to her husband, Neil, in a private interment, held on December 30, 2021 at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, CA.