When Lois Grand received the Doc Eberhardt Award in 2006, the highest Senior Olympics honor, she agreed to accept it on one condition – that she would not have to go on stage to receive it.

“That’s the kind of volunteer Lois was. She worked countless hours behind the scenes without wanting or needing recognition,” said Nancy Weigley, chair of the 2011 Senior Olympics. “Lois supervised the hospitality room for over 20 years, and prepared food for the opening ceremony dinners. She made it seem effortless, but we know it took a lot of energy to keep everyone well fed. Louis was a true gem; her warmth and good humor will be greatly missed,” Weigley added.

Lois Grand died Thursday, May 26 after a five-year battle with lung cancer, said her niece, Lise Bernstein. She added that Mrs. Grand was active as a regular volunteer for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival and the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. She was also active with the National Council of Jewish Women- St. Louis Section.

Lois Fremder Grand was born in St. Louis on Nov. 30, 1935, the daughter of Adolph and Rose (Sher) Fremder. She was a graduate of Clayton High School and Washington University. Mrs. Grand was married to Mitchell Grand for 53 years.

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 29 at Temple Israel. Rabbi Amy Feder officiated. Burial was at Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery on Olive Boulevard.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include three children: Nancy Grand Hammerman of St. Louis; David J. Grand (Judy) of St. Louis; and Judy Grand Zimmerman (Bill) of Wellesley, Mass.; a brother, Charles Fremder (Elaine), of St. Louis, and seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to: Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63146 or the St. Louis Senior Olympics, Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.