Lois Hole facts for kids

Lois Elsa Hole (born Lois Veregin; January 30, 1929 – January 6, 2005) was an amazing Canadian leader. She was a politician, a successful businesswoman, a gardener, and a popular author. Lois Hole served as the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta from 2000 until she passed away in 2005. She was known as the "Queen of Hugs" because she loved to hug almost everyone she met, including reporters and other important people.

Early Life and Family Beginnings

Lois Elsa Veregin was born in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, in 1929. Her family moved to Edmonton, Alberta, in 1948. There, she finished her schooling at Old Scona Academic High School.

In 1950, she met Ted Hole, who was studying agriculture at the University of Alberta. They married a few years later and moved to a 200-acre (0.81 km2) farm near St. Albert, Alberta. Lois and Ted Hole started a very successful garden business from their farm. In 1979, they, along with their sons Bill and Jim, officially created Hole's Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd. This business grew to be one of Western Canada's biggest garden stores. It closed in 2011 when the Hole family moved their operations to a new place called the Enjoy Centre.

Lois Hole's Education Journey

Lois Hole went to Strathcona High School, which is now called Old Scona Academic High School. She also earned a special diploma in Music from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

She received several honorary degrees (special awards from universities) for her achievements.

• In 1983, she received an honorary doctorate from Athabasca University.
• In 1997, she got a Distinguished Citizen Honorary Diploma in Business from Grant MacEwan College.
• In 2000, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from the University of Alberta.
• In 2003, she received an Honorary Degree in Horticulture from Olds College in Olds, Alberta.

Lois Hole was also very involved in education. She was a school trustee (a person who helps manage schools) for the St. Albert School District. She also served on the governing council for Athabasca University. From 1998 to 2000, she was the Chancellor of the University of Alberta. She was also a keynote speaker at many graduation ceremonies.

Lois Hole's Books

In 1993, Lois Hole wrote her first book, Vegetable Favourites. She went on to write five more books in her "Favourites" series. More than 1,000,000 copies of these books have been printed! Her book series even won an award in 1996.

In 1998, Hole's Greenhouse started publishing their own books. One of these was Lois Hole's autobiography, I'll Never Marry a Farmer. She also wrote several books with her son, Jim. Hole's Greenhouse still publishes gardening books and a popular yearly magazine called Lois' Spring Gardening.

Serving as Lieutenant Governor

Lois Hole was chosen to be the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in December 1999. She officially started her role on February 10, 2000. As Lieutenant Governor, she was the Queen's representative in Alberta. One of her first actions was to talk with Premier Ralph Klein about a new law. Even though she had some concerns, she signed the bill into law to avoid any problems.

Lois Hole's Passing

During her time in office, Lois Hole's husband, Ted Hole, passed away from cancer in April 2003. Lois Hole herself was diagnosed with abdominal cancer in 2002. She announced it publicly in 2003 when she started treatment. Her health got better for a while, but by late 2004, her illness became very serious. She passed away while still in office on January 6, 2005, at the age of 75.

A public memorial service was held for Lois Hole in Edmonton. Many people felt sad that the Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, could not attend the service.

Awards and Lasting Impact

Lois Hole received many important awards for her contributions.

• In 1999, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada, which is one of Canada's highest honors.
• In 2000, she became a Dame of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
• In 1995, she was named Edmonton Business and Professional Woman of the Year and St. Albert's Citizen of the Year.
• In 2003, she received the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Humanitarian Award for her work helping others.
• She was also made an "Honorary Patricia" by the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Many things have been named in her honor, showing her lasting impact:

• The Alberta Library Trustees Association created the Lois Hole Award in 2001.
• In 2004, a new part of the Royal Alexandra Hospital was named the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. It opened in 2010 and brings together many health services for women.
• On April 19, 2005, the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park was created. This park protects a large natural area, including Big Lake.
• In 2008, the Edmonton Public Library opened the Lois Hole Library. It has a sculpture of Lois Hole and a special reading garden.
• In 2009, the City of St. Albert declared May 14 to be Lois Hole Day. A bronze statue of her, called A Legacy of Love and Learning, was unveiled at city hall.

Images for kids

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  The Coat of Arms granted to Lois Hole, symbolizing her life and work.