Lois Reynolds Gabala, Hopkins High School salutatorian, Class of ‘57, and longtime florist, died Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Born in Plainwell Oct. 16, 1939, the daughter of Orlo and Evelyn Reynolds, Lois was a lifelong resident of the Hopkins area.
Lois met and married James Gabala in 1958. While dating, Jim was the greenhouse man at Towne’s Flower Shoppe in Wayland. While she waited to go to lunch with Jim, shop owner Marshall Towne said… “if you are just going to stand there, you can push flowers.” And push she did.
Under his mentorship, Lois developed her unique style and in the early 1980s she was recognized as one of FTD’s top American Florists. Though a prestigious award with a large banquet…she refused the podium…again, “I didn’t want to make a speech!”
Her ethics in the floral world were above and beyond reproach. “I know who gets flowers…and why… (and the who and why, of which, I’ll NEVER tell!)”. And she never did tell. As the floristry “business” changed, Lois did not… she refused to cut corners or use inferior materials; “pay attention to every detail, this may be someone’s only flower delivery.”
She retired from Sunnyslope Floral, Grandville, after a 46-year career.
Lois and Jim enjoyed a long and healthy retirement filled with travel and adventure. From Hopkins to Hawaii and all points in between, Michigan was where she always wanted to be. In her spare time she worked on perfecting her icicle pickle recipe.
Known for her love of cats, one could argue that her commitment to feeding wild animals was her biggest passion. She was steadfast in her commitment to feeding all the birds; a few fat squirrels; and even an opossum or two. She approached feeding these creatures as an act of kindness that would help her find peace and harmony within the natural world.
Along with her sister, Kay Hutchinson, and brother, Steve (Judy) Reynolds, Lois is survived by her son’s Mark (Julie), Bruce (Mike), six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her husband Jim, infant daughter, brother Jerry Reynolds, sister in law Lori Reynolds.
Lois was very specific in her wishes…no visitation, no funeral. Internment will be private at Poplar Hill Cemetery.
If you so choose to honor her memory with a gift, please consider supporting your local florist by sending flowers to a loved one “just because” or donate to your local animal shelter. One could also feed the birds… she would love that.
