Lois Jeanne Norton Mertens, BHS 1969

Lois Jeanne Mertens, born October 3, 1951 in Burbank, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 in her home. It was an unexpected loss because Lois was only 67 years old. She lived with Donald Mertens, her husband of 35 years, in Laguna Niguel, California. She was born to Darrell and Joan Norton (passed) and had one sibling, Don Norton (passed).

Lois lived in Burbank until she met her first husband, Joe English, and then moved to Miami, Florida. They had three children, Kim, Joe, and Jason which she loved dearly. After her divorce, Lois and the children moved back to California to live with her brother, Don, and his family. Lois later settled in Glendale, California to start her life as a single mother, working very hard to provide for her children. She always made time to give lots of love and care to her kids.

Eventually she met Don Mertens in “Parents without Partners” (PWP) in 1983 and this is where her life truly became an adventure. Don and Lois became very socially active building many great memories for themselves and their children. This included lots of camping and water ski trips with other PWP families where many good times were had. Lois became very athletic and joined competitive volleyball and softball teams with Don. Later in life with an “empty nest”, they went on trips all over the world. Lois’ favorite was Hawaii (several times) with Italy a close second.

Lois is survived by all three of her children all of whom she was super close to. Her oldest child, Kim Silvera, lives in Manhattan Beach, California and has two children named Jacob and Jessie along with her husband, Alby Silvera. Lois’ son, Joe English, lives in Parker, Colorado and has two children named Kaylynn and Mackayla along with his wife, Jennifer. Lois’ youngest son, Jason English, lives in Westchester, California. Being married to Don, Lois gained two children. The older is Jeff Mertens who lives in Sacramento, California and has a daughter named Jeneva along with his wife, Jennifer. The younger is Jill Desruisseau who lives in St. Augustine, Florida and has three children named Zachery, Cameron, and Morgan along with her husband, Steve.

Don and Lois created many great memories for all of their five children and eight grandchildren and were always involved in their lives. Lois also loved and spoiled her three dogs, Tahoe (black lab), Nakita (chocolate lab), and her current dog, Whitney (yellow lab).

Lois became an Executive Secretary at KPMG before retiring in 2000. She then did volunteer work at a local hospital. She was very involved with AA meetings and made many friends there in Laguna Niguel.

Lois was a beautiful person inside and out. She was supportive and kind and made friends very easily with her free spirit. Most people who knew Lois would say she was silly and fun and would always make them laugh. Her kids called her the “crazy lady” because of her usually funny comments and actions. She always had lots of energy until the last months of her life when her health was failing. Despite this she stayed positive and made the most out of every day. Lois was an awesome mother and grandmother, as well as an incredible wife. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be two separate “Celebration of Life” open houses for Lois as follows:
• Saturday, July 27th from 12-6 at Kim’s house in Manhattan Beach, CA.
• Saturday, August 24th from 12-6 at Don’s house in Laguna Niguel, CA.
Family and friends are invited to come to either one. Please contact Kim or Don for details.

Cemetery Details
Miramar National Cemetery
5795 Nobel Drive
San Diego, CA, 92122