Lois Jean Rice Chadwick left her earthly existence at daybreak Monday morning, June 28, 2010, surrounded by love and her nine children. Born March 9, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, Lois relocated to California where, with the support of her family, she brought up her children as a single mother, sometimes holding two and three jobs to put food on the table. She was an optimist, always striving for a better life for her kids. She moved to Mount Vernon, Washington in 1989, then to Camano Island in 2002. Lois was a giver and a seeker. She approached all aspects of life with an enthusiastic and joyous heart. She was an avid reader and enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially fishing. Lois's large family gathered often to celebrate special events. She loved every minute of the preparations, but in the end she would sit back and watch others take their place at the table, preferring to be the last one served. She was the rock, the soft place to fall, and the open arms to run to for all who crossed her path. She was generous and giving to others, always ensuring everyone was taken care of. She was the protector, the life and breath for all who needed her. There was no burden, no weight that she could not carry. She held everyone up with unwavering support and strength. Lois was an example for her children and often boasted that she had the best kids on earth. She is loved, respected and honored by her family and friends. For now we say, "Goodbye, Lois. Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye, Granny. We will Miss you." But as you told us so many times before, "I won't dwell on you leaving. I will envision you returning and walking through my door." Lois is preceded in death by her husband John Chadwick, her Grandparents, her parents Ella and Archie Rice, her brother Archie Jr. and sister Betty Wyatt, her nephew Larry Wyatt, and her best friend's son Michael Ciabattoni. Also with Lois are her granddaughter Meredith Gough and her twin great-grandbaby boys. Lois is survived by her children: Terri Gough and husband John; Kathy Eichert and husband Dave; Linda Del Negro-Daniels and husband Alan; David Del Nagro and wife Linda; Christine Arnott and husband Bobby; Andy Del Nagro and wife Karen; Tom Gohl and wife Tammy; Jerry Corcoran; and Patti Bannister and husband Jim. Her grandchildren: Noelle Ballarini, Derek Gough, and Ashley Vincenti; David, Benjamin, Jacob, and Zachary Eichert; Gena Tiffany and Adam, Spencer and Jane Griffin; Phillip Corcoran, Mario and Christopher Del Nagro, Elizabeth Fonteyn, and Aaron and Claire Gardner; Jessica Armstrong, Brandon and Summer Aronson, Leah Sheehan, and Andrew Arnott; Matt and Luke Del Nagro; Christine and Bobby Gohl; Sean and Danny Corcoran; Amanda and Briana Yocum Bannister and Noah and Brianne Bannister; and all of their supportive husbands and wives whom Granny loved dearly. Also in her circle of love are her nephews Gary and Johnny Wyatt and her niece Wendy Wyatt Ludwick. She has been blessed to have 31 great–grandchildren…with many more yet to be welcomed into her family. Granny always asked, "How many more babies are coming this year?" We answered, "Many, many, more, Mom, for generations to come." A celebration of her life will be held at her home, July 11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. In honor of Lois's life, donations may be made to your local Food Bank.