Obituary of Lois Aileen Fredricks

Lois Aileen Fredricks (Colee) passed away on September 29, 2018.  She was born April 8, 1954 to Louis A. Colee Sr. and Emma Jane Scott Colee in St. Augustine, Florida.  She attended Cathedral Parish School and St. Joseph Academy Catholic High School in St. Augustine.  After high school graduation, she attended St. John’s River Junior College and the University of North Florida, graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration in 1976. She began her career as a Merchant Developer at Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Jacksonville, FL.  She met her husband Steven Duffy Fredricks while he was attending the University of North Florida and they married in 1978. They moved to Salisbury North Carolina for Steve’s career in 1980 where their first daughter, Stephanie was born. They later moved to Miami FL, where Lois enjoyed her time as a full-time mother and avid racquetball player. They moved to their forever home in Palm Bay, FL in 1984, where Lois and Steve had their second daughter, Christine. Lois’s next chapter in life began when both of her daughters were in elementary school.  Lois became an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and developed a successful tax accounting practice. She also obtained several financial licenses and provided financial services to her clients as well. She was passionate about helping her clients and did so until her retirement in 2014. Amongst so many things, Lois loved martial arts. She was a member of the Palm Bay Dojo for over 25 years and through her love of martial arts discovered her passion for traditional Japanese swordsmanship, which she studied for 15 years. During her career, she became the highest ranking American woman in the United States and the first American woman to travel to and compete in Japan. She volunteered as Treasurer with the U.S. Federation of Batto Do. Additionally, Lois was an instructor, coach, and photographer. She enjoyed teaching classes for small business development through Brevard Community College and coached volleyball at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Palm Bay. She loved learning about photography and was involved in the Camera Club of Brevard. She hiked the Grand Canyon, Glacier and Yosemite National Parks to name a few but of all the places she traveled, Japan, Africa and Costa Rica were her favorite. She left us with an amazing photo journal of all her travels. Lois is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Dickens and husband Devin of Palm Bay, FL, and Christine Varah and husband Alex of Sheridan, WY; four grandchildren Colin, Megan, Aiden, and Lila; sister, Jane Williams, brothers Louis, Sterling, and Stuart Colee, nieces Michelle, Savannah, Emily, Haley and nephews Louis III, Brandon, Zack and Corey, father-in-law, Ken Fredricks, as well as great nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.  Lois was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Steven Duffy Fredricks; her sister Linda Giddens and her mother-in-law, Marion Fredricks. Calling hours will be held on Saturday October 6 at 10:00 A.M. with a service following at 10:30 A.M. at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, in Palm Bay. A reception and celebration of life will be held at 11:30 A.M. at the Banyan Estate, 1490 Marie St, Malabar, FL.