15 Facts About Lois Hole

Lois Hole was the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta from 10 February 2000 until her death on 6 January 2005.

Lois Hole was known as the "Queen of Hugs" for breaking with protocol and hugging almost everyone she met, including journalists, diplomats and other politicians.

Lois Hole's family moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1948, where she completed her education at Old Scona Academic High School.

Lois Hole received her secondary education at Strathcona High School and then her ATCM in Music from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, Ontario.

Lois Hole was the Keynote speaker at the Alberta College Graduation Ceremony in 2000, at Strathcona Composite High School Commencement ceremony in 2001, and at the Strathcona Composite High School commencement ceremony in 2003.

In 1993, Lois Hole wrote her first book, Vegetable Favourites, and went on to write five more in the "Favourites" series.

In 1998, Lois Hole's Greenhouse began publishing their own books starting with Lois Hole's autobiographical I'll Never Marry a Farmer.

Lois Hole was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Alberta by Prime Minister Jean Chretien in December 1999, and assumed office on 10 February 2000.

Lois Hole had been diagnosed with abdominal cancer in 2002, making a public announcement the following year when she began treatment in early 2003.

Lois Hole's health improved, temporarily, but by late 2004, her case was terminal.

Lois Hole's illness prevented her from making several scheduled public appearances.

Lois Hole died in office at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton on 6 January 2005, aged 75.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta confirmed that Lois Hole was born on 30 January 1929.

Lois Hole was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999 and a Dame of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 2000.

Lois Hole was made an "Honorary Patricia" by the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.