Lois Klein Jolson

LOIS KLEIN JOLSON CINCINNATI- Lois Klein Jolson was born in 1936 in Louisville, KY to Marjorie and Harry Klein. She grew up with her sister, Nancy. She attended Wellesley College, then graduated from University of Cincinnati with an undergraduate degree in English Literature. She followed her interest in this field and went on to obtain a Masters, writing her thesis on William Blake. Later, she became curious about psychology and went on to pursue a Masters. Lois was an avid reader and long-time member of the Mercantile Library. She enjoyed poetry, classic literature, and fiction. At age 17, she received a call from a young Richard (Dick) Jolson, who had seen her picture in the paper. He invited her to a medical school class party and after that they started going steady. Dick describes her as “beautiful, active, and brilliant.” When Lo was 19 years-old, she married Dick at her parents’ home in Louisville. Lo and Dick went on to have three children: Barb, Joe, and Scott. Lo had a knack for drawing and could create beautiful portraits. As a knowledgeable art connoisseur, her home often felt like a museum in its own right and was never without multiple coffee table art collection books. Her love of art propelled her to serve as a docent at both the Cincinnati Art Museum and Taft Museum of Art. In her desire to give back, she engaged with multiple outreach programs to teach art to children. Lo had a passion for music and was an accomplished pianist at a young age. She enjoyed the symphony, the opera, and In her adult years, she became a member on the Cincinnati Symphony Board. Lois’s love of music inspired her to create the Lois Klein Jolson Cincinnati Symphony Library Chair. Lo loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her time spent with them was joyous. The countertops, ledges, and refrigerator face were always covered in pictures of these kiddos. She was especially fond of receiving their artwork and would always insist that they sign their masterpieces. As a young grandmother, she brought her grandchildren on vacation, to the theater, art museum, ballet, and BonBonerie (one of her favorites). As she aged, she continued generously providing opportunities for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy the performing arts. She was a very giving person, passionate about the arts, and full of love for her family. She will be sorely missed. Lois passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on March 31, 2021, at the age of 84. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dr. Richard Jolson and sister, Nancy Abrams (Berel). She was the loving mother of Barb Osher, Joe (Kathy), and Scott (Julie) Jolson. Lo adored her grandchildren: Jeff (Lauren), James (Melissa), Jon (Joanna), and Jessie Osher; Jenny (Michael) Brumm; Samantha, Leo, and Isie Jolson; David (Fran), Andrew (Courtney), and Michelle Jolson. Lo also cherished her precious great-grandchildren: Charlie, Tommy, Will, Griffin, Maren, Tessa, Milly, Scarlett, Ella, Anna Osher; Olivia Brumm; Miles and Max Jolson. She is also survived by numerous caring nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Music Library of The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Private graveside services for family only, Monday, April 5, 11:30 A.M. at the United Jewish Cemetery in Montgomery, Ohio. Zoom services can also be joined; if you are interested in watching live or viewing the recording, please email inmemoryofloisjolson@gmail.com.

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Lois Klein Jolson

May 11, 1936 - March 31, 2021