Lois Wilson

Lois Wilson (March 4, 1891 - October 5, 1988) was the founder of Al-Anon, a support group for the friends and family of alcoholics. She was the wife of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson. Lois was born into affluence in Brooklyn Heights with her father being a prominent surgeon and gynecologist. Abraham Lincoln's grandchildren were playmates of her siblings when they were young and they attended prestigious schools. Lois began to work on efforts for families of alcoholics after Bill had gone through rehab and founded A.A. These efforts led to the founding of Al-Anon.

After Bill died in 1971 of emphysema, Lois inherited 90% of her late husband's estate and copyright royalties from The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill left the other 10% of his estate to his long-standing mistress.