Lois Ruth D'Elia

Lois Ruth D’Elia was born on Jan 25, 1938. She was raised on the farmlands of Kane County, Illinois, the eldest daughter of Emma & John Butts. She was a 1956 graduate of Maple Park High School. Lois continued her education at Copley Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing in Aurora, IL., graduating in 1959. She later earned her BSN from George Mason University in 1996. At a Valentine’s Day party in 1960, Lois met Stephen D’Elia. The couple were married on New Year’s Eve that same year. They resided in Chicago, IL before moving to Maryland. They embarked on a great adventure in the early 70s by joining the Peace Corps and moving the family of seven to Quito, Ecuador. While there, Lois fell in love with three more children whom they adopted. Upon return from the Peace Corps, they relocated to Loudoun County, VA. Lois often called Steve the love of her life. Before Steve’s passing in 2012, they enjoyed many trips together and countless Chicago Cubs games. Lois was a healthcare servant for 52 years, serving as a Critical Care Nurse at Loudoun Memorial Hospital, alternating with nursing experiences at Loudoun Internal Medicine and Leesburg Sterling Family Practice. She retired from nursing in 2011 and kept busy in her community. She served on the Board of Directors of LAWS (Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter), several St. Francis de Sales Parish Ministries, Home Delivered Meals through the Carver Center and many other community programs in the county. One ministry that was very special to her was the Blood Drive at St. Francis. The D’Elia home always had an open door because of Lois. Her love and compassion had no limit. She took in complete strangers who needed a roof over their head, countless foreign exchange students, and the occasional friend of her children who needed a place to stay. She was an excellent quilter, enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She loved watching the Cubs play, indulging in a single Corona Light, while crocheting a baby blanket. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emma Butts, infant son Andrew, husband Stephen, brothers George, Howard, David and Rich, and sister Carolyn Brannon. She is survived by sons Anthony, Phillip (Lou Parker), George, Manuel, Paul, Michael (Janine), Matthew (Amy), daughters Joan D’Elia (Scott Burford), Mary Mowe (Roddy), Ruth Ann Jewell (Chris Simonetta), Rosa Pendleton, and special daughter in law, Orfa D’Elia; 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and brother Dennis (Jill). The family will receive friends at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg VA on Friday, March 18th 2p - 4p and 6p - 8p. A Funeral mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church 37730 St. Francis Ct. Purcellville, Va on March 19, 2022 at 10:30am; A private Interment will be at St. John The Apostle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to St. Francis de Sales Church, 37730 St. Francis Ct. Purcellville, VA 20131, LAWS 105 S. Market St. Leesburg, VA 20177, or Capital Caring Health 3180 Fairview Park Dr. Suite 500 Falls Church, VA 22042.

Lois Ruth D'Elia

January 25, 1938 - January 15, 2022