July 29, 1961-Sept. 7, 2009

Lois Ann Bettini, 48, was born on July 29, 1961. She died in Homer on Sept. 7, 2009. A memorial service was held at her Diamond Ridge home on Sept. 20, 2009.

Lois first came to Alaska when she was just 19 years of age. She moved to Homer in the mid-1990s.

Lois was an entomologist by training and she was very close to obtaining her Ph.D. During her distinguished professional career, she worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Alaska Division of Forestry, Cook Inlet Aquaculture, the Pratt Museum and as an instructor at the University of Alaska.

Lois frequently found time outside of work to make positive contributions to her community. She made significant contributions in Anchorage to the Campbell Creek Science Center and to local parks, ski trails and environmental education. In Homer, she served on the Board of Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and was involved in a wide array of conservation causes and nordic skiing. It seems like almost everyone in town had either been taught to ski by or received skiing tips from Lois.

"The most important thing to those who knew and loved her was who she was as a person," her friends and family said. "When you begin a discussion about Lois, you have to start with her heart. Lois had a very, very, big heart. She was extremely generous and would do anything for you. She cared deeply about her friends and they her. You don't have to look farther than her extensive network of friends to see evidence of that. She cared deeply about her family. Lois often talked in emotional and moving ways about her early years in the Sierras, her father's cabin, the sister she loved to tease, and spending time with her Nooni at her home in Palo Alto, Calif.

"Lois has been described affectionately as headstrong and fiercely independent. She valued loyalty and she demonstrated that over and over again toward those she considered friends. Lois was dedicated and passionate. She put her heart and soul into whatever she did. Lois was the consummate hostess. She enjoyed entertaining and she enjoyed being surrounded by her friends. She was fun to be around and she made us laugh and lifted our spirits more times than we can remember. Lois had energy that we all wished we could tap into. Everyone agreed that Lois was simply one stylish and classy woman.

"It is impossible to talk about Lois without taking note of her physical prowess and athletic achievements. Lois was a top- notch athlete and excelled at endurance sports. She participated in multiple ultra-marathons and was well known in running and ski racing circles. She was an outstanding ski instructor. Lois was an avid outdoors woman. Her father told us that she began hiking around the Sierras when she was still in diapers. She was an accomplished mountain climber and she loved trekking in wilderness areas.

"Of course, one of the most impressive, and enjoyable things about Lois was her intellect, her interests and her passions. She was smart, well read, intellectually curious, and analytical. You could talk to Lois in depth about subjects ranging from science, to philosophy, to faith. Lois had a deep interest in the environment and devoted a great deal of time to conservation causes. Lois had a great love and compassion for animals. She also enjoyed music, her extensive library, gardening and her on-going science projects, many of which took place right at her home.

"Lois was the total package. She was smart, accomplished, a top-notch athlete, knock-out gorgeous and one of the best friends and colleagues one could ever ask for. She brought us laughter, friendship, enlightenment, energy and much more. Lois left us far too early and we will all miss her deeply. Rest in peace, Lois, and know that we will always love you and take strength and comfort from your memory."

Lois is survived by her father, Norman Bettini, and his wife Nancy; her sister, Linda Dan, and her husband, Elliott, and their children Chase and Butch; her beloved Nooni, Genevieve Bettini; numerous dear friends; and her husband, Doug Schwiesow.