Lois Nola Symonds, born 18 July 1930 in Hobart, was the daughter of Frederick Botha Symonds and Wilhemina Elvie Sice. The family moved to Brougham Street, West Launceston where Lois attended Launceston High School, after which she trained to become a teacher. Lois travelled to England where she remained, later marrying Brian Duly and then Walter Schindler.;;