ALBANY — “Lois Marie Leikhim, age 96, entered into Eternal Life on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home,” her family wrote in a tribute.

She was born on Aug. 24, 1929, in Albany, to the late John Albert and Margaret Theresa (née Welch) Umholtz.

“Having been born and raised amidst the periods of World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and Pearl Harbor, Lois’s life story is certainly one for the books,” her family wrote. “Throughout the perpetual turmoil, devastation, and anguish surrounding her, Lois endured while aiding in the noble war efforts by collecting loose metal and other materials.

“As a child, Lois’s after-school routine would consist of going outside to play sports, coming into the house to set the table for dinner, and doing her homework. With no television around, the family would sit together and listen to the radio for classic westerns and comedy shows.

“Lois graduated from Albany High School and later retained a position in clerical work for Mobil Oil. She met her beloved husband, Edward, and the two shared 20 years of marriage together, before his untimely passing in 1979.

“Lois always put others before herself and cared deeply for her family. If one of her siblings was sick, she would visit daily to see how they were doing.

“At her heart, Lois had a great appreciation for nature, as she spent countless hours tending to her garden by hand and observing the peaceful company of wildlife around the neighborhood. Lois was a thinking person and accomplished many projects well into her 90s, such as mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and shoveling snow.

“She was also a longtime parishioner of Christ the King Church and the former St. Teresa of Avila Church, both of Albany.”

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Lois Marie Leikhim is survived by her brother, Richard W. (Violet) Umholtz; her sister, Peggy Ann (the late Alan) Weaver; her nieces, Donna (Dennis), Kathleen, and Pamela (Doug); her nephew, Richard (Colleen); her 11 great-nieces and nephews; her six great-great-nieces and nephews; and her caregiver and dear friend, Kim. 

Her parents, John Albert and Margaret Theresa (née Welch) Umholtz, died before her, as did her husband, Edward J. Leikhim, and her twin brother, Robert J. “Bob” Umholtz.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home at 5216 Western Turnpike in Guilderland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, on Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Church at 20 Sumter Avenue in Guilderland. 

Interment will immediately follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, at which time close friend and honorable United States veteran, Normal Miller, will perform dignified renditions of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace,” in tribute to her. 

“The family would like to thank Violet and Lois’s caregivers, as well as Community Hospice for all of their help and dedicated support over the years,” the tribute said.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.