Lois Elaine Schamerhorn

Oct 16, 1949 -

Nov 26, 2025

Lois Elaine Schamerhorn (Harju), age 76, of Anchorage, Alaska, entered into eternal life on Nov. 26, 2025, surrounded by family at the Alaska Native Medical Center. She leaves behind a trail of love, memories and a world that is just a little quieter and a little less magical, without her presence.

Born in Superior, Wis., to Swen Harju and Elaine Colby, and raised in Minnesota, Lois grew into the kind of person whose love, kindness, wisdom and well-timed humorous wit shaped everyone lucky enough to know her. After living in Germany and Oklahoma, she moved to Anchorage, in 1989, where she made her home until she was called to be with the Lord.

Lois served for many years as a nurse, first in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and then as a pediatric nurse, beginning at Lawton Indian Hospital from 1980 to 1989 and later at the Alaska Native Medical Center from 1989 to 2001, through the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. But her true life's work was being a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend, someone who could solve any problem with equal parts wisdom and well-timed sarcasm.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Maurice and Crystal DeSmedt; two granddaughters, Hannah and Trinity DeSmedt; sister, Helen Madsen; brothers, Kenny, Conrad and Kevin Harju; and more nieces and nephews than she could keep track of, though she certainly tried. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Bandit. They will carry forward her stories, her stubborn strength and her perfectly timed humor, the kind that made you feel loved even when you were being rightfully roasted.

Lois now reunites with her beloved husband, Robert Schamerhorn; son, Kip DeSmedt; parents, Swen and Elaine Harju; brother, Rodger Harju; and a whole crowd of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws who are no doubt greeting her with hugs, laughter and probably a cup of coffee.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer 2026. Her ashes will be scattered at Beach Lake, Alaska.