Lois M. Gerken (Dawal)

Lois M. Gerken,80, of Damascus, formally of North Haledon, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 8,2026.

Born October 16, 1945, to the late Julius and Theresa Dawal(Csejka).

Her husband, George, of almost 50 years preceded her in death on 12/21/2015. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Jeanne (sp. William Wittwer) and Victoria (sp. Donald Phillips) and her sister-in law, Marlene, (sp. Charles Nagy) and a nephew, Charles.

She loved gardening, animals and her friends. She had an extensive knowledge of plants and enjoyed talking about them. She loved painting and making ceramics, had a successful business with her sister for many years. She loved to talk to her nephew about tractors.  She loved to laugh and had the best sense of humor.  Enjoyed playing Rummy-cube with friends in the neighborhood. She was the best mother, teaching her daughter to sew, paint, garden, shoot the 22mag, cook and love for all animals.

Lois worked as an account receivable clerk at a hospital when she retired with her husband in 1997 to the family property in Damascus, PA. In retirement, she planted larger gardens, had llamas, dug fishponds, and built coops for the chickens.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne, and her husband, Tom, a sister-in-law, Helen, and her husband, Wayne, a cousin, Lydia. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Stephen, Barbara, Christine, Tom, Don, Rob, John, Kris and their spouses and children.

In accordance with Lois’s wishes, there will be no viewing, but a private family ceremony at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.

Lois spent her last days in the Julia Ribaudo Rehabilitation Center. The staff became a part of the extended family caring for Lois. A huge amount of gratitude would like to be given to the wonderful staff at Julia Ribaudo for the love and care they gave to Lois while she was there. She loved them as much as they loved her.

Cremation arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.