Obituary of Lois Burnett Ricketts

Lois Burnett Ricketts, 91 Halifax, Nova Scotia January 16, 1926 – July 11, 2017 – She was a one of a kind force of nature. A mother. Grandmother. Leader. Lois B. Ricketts was a CEO in a man’s world, where she made a difference for thousands and raised millions to help Nova Scotians’ with respiratory diseases. She shattered the proverbial glass ceiling for women in leadership positions in the not-for-profit health care sector. As CEO of The Lung Association of Nova Scotia, Lois led the organization through more than a decade of growth, modernization and development. She pioneered the association’s entry into asthma education and awareness and led the way for changes in the health care system. Under her leadership Nova Scotia saw the development of a no-charge home oxygen program, the opening of a sleep disorders lab, the creation of a summer camp for children with severe respiratory diseases and the delivery of countless professional development programs that helped raise the standard of respiratory care. Lois and her loving husband, the late Ralph E. J. Ricketts, were instrumental in the creation of Point Pleasant Lodge; a not-for-profit facility that provides affordable lodging for those travelling to Halifax for medical care. Lois continued to serve on the Board of Directors until her passing. Lois was a loyal live wire. Full of can do spirit and encouragement for all those she worked with and loved. She was a veracious reader, a world traveller and loved current affairs. She was always ready to debate and discuss the affairs of the world or the life struggles of friends and others close to her. Her family were dear to her and she gave that back in the full force that she could muster. Lois was the daughter of the late Cecil MacKinnon and Vera (Fitzsimmons) Stiles of Moncton, New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Ricketts and her son, Douglas Lowther. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Robert F. MacKinnon; daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Michael McDonald; grandchildren, Nicola (Dana) Sweeney, Christina Goudy, Natalie (Kenny) Pierce, and Andrew (Tracey) McDonald; and great-grandchildren, Erica, Logan, Kennedy, Owen, Liam, Madison and William. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Lois will be missed greatly because she occupied a big part of many peoples lives. She leaves many great memories, lessons and a legacy of examples that will always be remembered. She lived a truly rich and full life that is a model for us all. As per her wishes, a private family burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Feed Nova Scotia. Words of condolence can be made at: www.tjtracey.com