Lois Duncan Arquette

Lois Duncan Arquette, April 28, 1934 – June 15, 2016, Sarasota, Florida, known to readers around the world as author Lois Duncan, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband Don Arquette, her four living children; Robin Burkin, Kerry Arquette, Brett Arquette, and Donald Jr., six grand children, and her brother William Steinmetz. Lois grew up in Sarasota, Florida, the daughter of acclaimed photojournalists, Joseph and Lois Foley Steinmetz. Writing under Lois Duncan (her first and middle names), Lois published her first story in a national magazine at age 13 and sold her first novel at age 20. As an an adult, Lois moved to Albuquerque, NM, where she taught magazine writing for the Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico. She wrote constantly, producing more than 300 magazine articles and 50 books,ranging from children's picture books to poetry to adult non-fiction, but is best known for her young adult suspense novels, which have received Young Readers Awards in 16 states and three foreign countries. In 1992, Lois was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award, presented by the School Library Journal and the ALA Young Adult Library Services Association for "a distinguished body of adolescent literature." In 2015 Mystery Writers of America presented her its Grand Master Award, its highest award, for a lifetime of achievement. Several of her books were made into blockbuster movies and television features. In 1992 Lois published WHO KILLED MY DAUGHTER, the true story of the 1989 murder of her youngest child, Kaitlyn Arquette. The book recounts the deeply flawed investigation into the circumstances of Kaitlyn's death and the subsequent failings of the Albuquerque, New Mexico police response to new information. A second book about the still-unsolved murder, titled ONE TO THE WOLVES: ON THE TRAIL OF A KILLER, was published in 2014 by Planet Ann Rule. Lois and her husband Don left Albuquerque after Kaitlyn's murder, moving first to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and eventually moving back to Lois's childhood hometown, Sarasota. Lois dedicated her time and energy to finding justice for Kaitlyn and other murder victims. She offered support to many families across the nation, who are struggling with the devastating emotional fallout of murder and the equally devastating emotional repercussions of dealing with law enforcement and other institutions involved in the aftermath of murder. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Lois's "family" also included many hundreds of Facebook friends and fans. Early in her career she resolved to respond to every fan letter personally and she continued this practice throughout her life. She supported and nurtured the talents of upcoming authors. In 1989, as a gift to welcome her first grandchild into the world, Lois and daughter Robin created SONGS FROM DREAMLAND, a collection of original poems and music. It is with words she herself penned that we say goodbye to an unforgettable woman: Ship in the night—with salt in your sails— Oh, what do you bring me from out of the deep? "I bring you this wish from a magical fish— Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Close your eyes. Go to sleep." We will gather to remember Lois at the Freedom Village Landings auditorium, 6406 21st Ave W, Bradenton, FL Friday, 6/24/16 at 4pm. Reception to follow. The family asks that those wishing to commemorate Lois's passing send donations in her name to The Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death (10701 Lomas NE, Suite 115, Albuquerque, NM 87112).

Tributes

Lois Duncan Arquette

April 28, 1934 - June 15, 2016