She's the first dame of New Zealand netball - a remarkable and passionate figure who still, at the grand age of 88, will absolutely talk your ear off about all things netball.
But while life has taken on a slightly slower pace for Dame Lois Muir since a second battle with breast cancer, come hell or high water, she'll be tuning in to every single minute of the Silver Ferns' fight to defend their Netball World Cup crown this month.
"I had breast cancer about 25 years ago and the wretched stuff came back and got me again last year," Lois - she will not have you call her Dame Lois tells the Weekly. "I only had one boob to lose, so that's gone now. But I've recovered and I'm bouncing around. Well, bouncing's probably a bit too far! But all is well."
She quickly dismisses any ounce of pity or concern "Oh, I'm absolutely fine, no fuss!" and apart from being a little bit wearier of catching bugs, life is as it's always been.
"You never think you're smart with cancer," she adds. "I always dread when I hear someone say 'I'm cured'. But it's all in how you handle it.
"The surgeon was great and even me, at 86 or something, I went in on a Friday and was at home on the Sunday. I didn't even have time to feel sorry for myself, so that was good.
"My mother and my sister both had breast cancer, so because of that, I got it early the first time and decided to get the whole breast off - no mucking around, you know so anyway, here I am!"
Still living independently in her beloved Dunedin home, Lois is still whip smart and refreshingly forthright. A widow for the past 19 years, the mum-of-three sons keeps herself busy - she only stopped working at the local pharmacy just before Covid and relishes a good chat about netball.
"I played my first-ever national tournament in 1949," she reflects before adding, "Hmmm. That probably dates me a little bit, doesn't it? Just a smidge.
This story is from the July 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy
Mum's hero team GIVING GIGI A FLYING CHANCE
Twice her daughter has needed life-saving treatment
Call the midwife AROHA'S SPECIAL DELIVERIES
The maternity carer wants more pregnant mums to have the traditional Māori birth experienc
Winning his Queen back FRED & MARY'S TOUR OF LOVE
There's a lot riding on the royal couple's anniversary cruise
The winner TAKES IT ALL!
Five decades on from Abba's Arrival, we're still saying Thank You For the Music
The show must go on! TAYLA'S LIVING HER DREAM
From opera to operations, the young Kiwi performer is unstoppable
From Russia with love 'ADVENTURE'S IN MY BLOOD'
Victoria's glad she took the leap of faith, even though it was a desperate act
Marata's supporting role 'NIKKI'S THE REAL WARRIOR'
The league star pays tribute to his soulmate who lives with a painful condition
Stronger than ever WILLS & KATE'S ENDURING LOVE
Through all life's challenges, the royal soulmates are there for each other
Four kids and a party JESSE'S BRINGING THE FUN!
The TV host is dancing to his own beat when it comes to fatherhood and fame