Lois J. Gross, superb flower arranger, dies at 83

WHEN DOING flower displays, Lois J. Gross had to wait for the flowers to tell her how to arrange them.

"I would ask her how she was going to arrange the flowers, and she'd say, 'I have to wait for them to tell me,' " said her daughter, Beverly Gross-Spencer.

Flower arranging was obviously a spiritual experience for Lois, who had received a number of certificates in the ancient Japanese art of ikebana, with its spiritual overtones.

And her artistry was recognized with numerous blue ribbons from the annual Philadelphia International Flower Show.

"She had a fabulous eye," her daughter said. "And she was always willing to share her knowledge of flowers with others."

Lois Gross, a Philadelphia public-school teacher for 25 years, an active churchwoman and dedicated traveler, died April 16. She was 83 and lived in Mount Airy.

It was after she retired from the school district that Lois devoted herself to her flowers. She and other members of Our Garden Club of Philadelphia and Vicinity regularly participated in the Flower Show.

Her church, Christ Church and St. Michael's, blossomed every Christmas and Easter with her floral displays.

She received several certificates of accomplishment from the Ohara School of Ikebana, in Japan. She exhibited at the Flower Show in the design category as recently as last year.

"Known for her winning smile and effervescent personality, Lois brought youthful energy to all of her endeavors," her daughter said.

Lois was born in Philadelphia to James A. and Annie B. Jenkins. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1944 and went on to Cheyney University. She completed her teaching certification coursework at Temple University.

During her teaching career, she taught at James Claghorn, William Dick, Francis Pastorious and Joseph Pennell elementary schools.

In 1953, she married Robert A. Gross Jr. He died in 1993.

Lois' soprano voice graced the choirs of Christ Church and St. Michael's, and she also participated in the annual performances of the Omega Omega Choral Ensemble, given at various churches in West Philadelphia in May.

One of her favorite hymns was "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy:"

There's a wideness in God's mercy

Like the wideness of the sea;

There's kindness in his justice

Which is more than liberty.

Lois was looking forward to celebrating her 84th birthday with friends on New Year's Day in Las Vegas.

She traveled extensively in the U.S. and Canada, as well as trips to Europe and cruises in the Caribbean, including a jazz cruise.

Lois was active in her church, serving as a member of the choir and vestry, chairperson of the Altar Guild, and as a member and officer of Episcopal Church Women.

She served as secretary of the Philadelphia Chapter of Chums Inc., a national organization that provides opportunities for women to socialize and work in civic, cultural and educational improvement programs.

Lois' home was a gathering place for friends and family who were treated to her cooking skills, with an apple cake as the center of attraction.

Besides her daughter, she is survived by a granddaughter, Noelle Spencer. She was predeceased by another daughter, Valerie.

Services: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ Church and St. Michael's, Tulpehocken and McCallum streets. The AKA service will begin at 12:30, followed by a Chums service at 12:50 p.m., and a memorial service at 1 p.m. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Friday at the Wood Funeral Home, 5537 Girard Ave. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Girls Incorporated of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey, 1229 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19107.