Outstanding businesswoman and artist Lois Lake Sherwood has been hailed by her family as a trailblazer who defied the ordinary and rejected any notion of the impossible.

“For her, can-do was the only way forward — a pervasive philosophy that now flows through Restaurant Associates Limited’s (RAL) corporate ethos,” the family said in a news release on Saturday, adding that its group of companies is sustained on the merits of hard work, tenacity, and togetherness that she set.

Lake Sherwood, who was chairman emeritus of RAL — franchisees of Burger King, Popeye’s, Little Caesar’s, and Krispy Kreme — died on Saturday. She was ailing for some time.

The family also described her as “a beacon of mental endurance and optimism” that remains at the foundation of the family and their business.

“Her generosity, encouragement, and wisdom have nurtured a company culture that continues to thrive,” the family added.

They pointed out that Lake Sherwood was a well-known artist who maintained active involvement in fostering arts and culture in Jamaica. As such, she launched craft fairs and art training programmes, as well as spearheaded international cultural exchanges.

She was director of the National Gallery and honorary consul for Lithuania for several years.

“By just being true to herself and her determination to succeed, Lois helped pave the way for more female Caribbean entrepreneurs and artists to make their mark,” the family added.

In 2012, Lake Sherwood was invested with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander by the Government of Jamaica for her contribution to the country’s development.

She was also a justice of the peace and won several prestigious awards over the years.

“We will miss her wise counsel and beautiful nurturing spirit,” the family said, pointing out that Lake Sherwood has been an inspiration to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, colleagues, friends, and the wider RAL family.