Lois Hole: St. Albert’s Queen of Hugs and Community Builder
St. Albert, Alberta, is a city renowned for its rich heritage and community spirit. Few individuals have embodied these qualities more than Lois Hole, affectionately known as the “Queen of Hugs.” Her warmth, compassion, and dedication to education, community, and the environment have left an indelible mark on St. Albert. This blog post celebrates the life and legacy of Lois Hole, a trailblazing figure whose impact continues to inspire the city she loved so deeply.
1. Who Was Lois Hole?
Lois Hole was a celebrated businesswoman, philanthropist, author, and politician whose life’s work centered around building a stronger, more connected community. Born in Saskatchewan in 1929, she moved to Alberta after marrying her husband, Ted Hole, and together they founded Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd., a business that became one of the largest and most successful garden centers in Western Canada.
Known for her kindness and ability to connect with people, Lois earned the nickname “Queen of Hugs”—a testament to her approachable and compassionate nature. Her passion for gardening and community engagement fueled her life’s work, from promoting environmental stewardship to advocating for literacy and education.
2. Lois Hole’s Role as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
In 2000, Lois Hole was appointed as Alberta’s 15th Lieutenant Governor, a role she held until her passing in 2005. During her time in office, Lois championed education, literacy, and social justice, using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart.
Lois believed in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to support public schools, libraries, and lifelong learning initiatives. She was known for breaking down the barriers of formal political office, making herself accessible and relatable to people of all backgrounds. Her hands-on approach and genuine care for individuals made her a beloved figure across Alberta, particularly among children and educators.
3. Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens: A St. Albert Landmark
Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens, co-founded by Lois and Ted Hole in 1952, stands as a testament to Lois’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of gardening. Starting as a small operation on their family farm, the business grew into a thriving garden center, attracting visitors from across the region.
The garden center became more than just a retail space—it was a hub for learning and community connection. Lois often shared her gardening expertise with customers, hosting workshops, writing gardening books, and offering advice to anyone who asked. Through Hole’s Greenhouses, Lois fostered a sense of togetherness and encouraged environmental stewardship, values that remain central to St. Albert’s identity today.
4. Advocating for Literacy and Education in St. Albert
Lois Hole was a passionate advocate for literacy and education, believing that access to knowledge could transform lives and communities. She championed initiatives to support public libraries, promote reading programs, and ensure that education was accessible to all. Her advocacy extended to writing several gardening books, blending her love for nature with her commitment to sharing knowledge.
Her approachable writing style made gardening accessible and enjoyable for readers of all experience levels, encouraging them to nurture their own green spaces and embrace lifelong learning. Through her work, Lois inspired countless individuals to grow—not just gardens, but stronger communities as well.
5. Lois Hole’s Legacy in St. Albert
Lois Hole’s legacy is evident throughout St. Albert in the institutions and spaces dedicated to her memory. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, located just outside the city, celebrates her passion for nature and community. The park is a haven for bird watching, walking, and enjoying Alberta’s natural beauty, offering a tranquil space for residents and visitors to connect with the environment.
Lois Hole Elementary School is another tribute to her legacy, embodying her lifelong dedication to education. The school continues her mission of fostering learning and community spirit, inspiring future generations to carry forward her values of compassion and connection.
6. A Champion of Compassion and Community
Lois Hole’s influence extended far beyond her titles and accomplishments. Her genuine kindness and empathy defined her leadership style, making her a beloved figure not just in St. Albert but across Alberta. She demonstrated that true leadership lies in caring for people, listening to their needs, and working to make a difference.
Whether as a businesswoman, Lieutenant Governor, author, or community advocate, Lois’s life revolved around one central theme: bringing people together. Her ability to connect with others and her dedication to building a more inclusive and compassionate society continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Conclusion: Honoring Lois Hole’s Enduring Legacy
Lois Hole was much more than a politician or businesswoman—she was a cornerstone of the St. Albert community and a symbol of kindness and resilience. Her work in education, literacy, community building, and gardening has left a lasting impact on the city and the province of Alberta.
Whether you’re strolling through Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, shopping at Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens, or benefiting from the schools and libraries she championed, you’re experiencing the enduring influence of Lois Hole’s vision and dedication.
Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership comes from caring deeply about people and the world around us. Lois Hole’s legacy will continue to inspire St. Albert’s residents to embrace compassion, foster learning, and build a community rooted in kindness and shared growth.
