The MSFA is saddened to announce the passing of LAMSFA Past President (2008-2009) Lois Hetz.
Please keep Harry and the entire Hetz family in your prayers.
Cards may be sent to:
Harry Hetz
20818 Oak Grove Church Road
Bivalve, MD 21814
Lois was born in 1945 to Elda and James Schell, Sr. She grew up in LaVale, Maryland. The youngest of three children, with siblings Peggy Zembower and James Schell. Lois died on November 16, 2023 at the age of 78.
In 1963, Lois graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland and attended Frostburg State University in Maryland.
Lois has worked as a department store associate and day-care manager and homemaker.
Her hobbies included traveling, counted cross-stitching, reading, and serving with the fire department auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling to such places Australia, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and extensive trips across the U.S. in their motorhome.
Lois’s quiet-time was filled with patiently picking through the fabric with her counted cross-stitch pictures and reading – Debbie Macomber novels were her favorites.
After joining the Ladies Auxiliary to the LaVale Volunteer Fire Department in 1963 (where she has maintained her membership across the years), she joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department in September 1970. Lois is a 53-year Life Member. She held most of the offices of their Auxiliary; where she served as their president on six different occasions and was currently serving as Chaplain at her passing.
Lois has served in many capacities and offices of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, raising to the Office of President in 2008. She has also served in many offices of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, serving as their President in 2014 and on their Board of Directors and becoming Chair of the Board in 2017.
Lois has a strong faith and trust in God. She is a member of Faith Community Church in Salisbury, Maryland. Within the fire service she shared her faith through her membership in the Pierce M. Damewood. Memorial Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters.
Lois is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harry Hetz; daughter Deanna Romblad and son-in-law Grady Romblad; grandchildren Connor Romblad (fiancé Claire Bohlen) and Hannah Romblad; siblings, Peggy Zembower and James Schell, Jr.; and extended family.
A funeral service for Lois will be held at Faith Community Church on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
There will be three visitations, Monday, November 20th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as well as Tuesday, November 21st, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
-John F. Long, Jr., ETC, USCG, RET.
“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7
