Lois Ruth Solomon
May 1, 2013

SOLOMON, LOIS RUTH: Beloved wife of Robert Solomon, beloved mother of Edward Solomon and the late Lee Solomon, mother-in-law of Andrea Solomon-Eller and Cathy Weiss and aunt of Faye Potts and Adele Sales passed away on Tuesday, May 1st, 2013 in Florida. Lois was married to Bob Solomon for 63 years but they started dating 8 years before that in 1942 when he was 15 and she was 14. They were initially "fixed up" by mutual friends but Bob neglected to show up for their first date. Fortunately, she forgave him and he realized the mistake he had made. She was still young but already showing the kindness and compassion that drew so many people to her. Lois became a cheerleader at Taylor Allderdice and Bob was a member of their basketball team.  In 1944 Bob left for World War II. Lois went to work for the government upon graduation in 1945. They got married in 1950, had two sons, Lee and Ed. In 1954, Bob started a floor covering business, Tile City, which became the largest retailer of it's type in Western Pennsylvania. Lois initially kept the books and worked to ensure the success of the business. They enjoyed a wonderful life in Pittsburgh. Both Lois and Bob became avid golfers. They were members of Westmoreland Country Club for over 40 years. Charitable endeavors were also an important aspect of their lives. Lois read to the blind at Temple Sinai for  many years and both Lois and Bob contributed to numerous organizations but especially the United Jewish Federation. In addition to golf, Lois loved to travel, enjoyed a competitive game of bridge and had numerous wonderful friends but most of all, focused on her children. They were her pride and joy. Unfortunately, she lost her first son Lee to brain cancer in 1995 and her only grandson, Jeffrey in 2006. In spite of these devastating losses, Lois continued to inspire her loved ones. She and Ed communicated constantly. No week went by when she didn't speak with her daughter-in-law Andrea and nieces Faye and Adele. With each of their mother's gone, she stepped into that role and was the "glue" that kept the family together. Lois had health challenges dating back to 1976 when she was one of the first people to have heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and she had a second one in the 1990's.  In spite of these major issues and more through the years, her first priority was shielding her family and friends from concern. She was always optimistic and exceedingly brave and that served her well. Lois and Bob moved to Southern Florida in the1990s where they truly enjoyed the warm weather, daily golf and the "retired life" but they kept close contact with their lifelong friends and family in Pittsburgh and throughout the country. Lois is survived by her husband Robert,  son Edward, daughter-in-laws Cathy Weiss and Andrea Solomon-Eller, nieces Faye Potts and Adele Sales and "son-in-law" Andrew Eller. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Sunday at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (1PM - 2PM). Interment B’nai Israel Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Lee Solomon Fund For Brain Tumor Research at Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foundation, 4818 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. www.support.wphfoundation.org. www.schugar.com

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