Lorraine Joyce Soltess-Manning

Lorraine died peacefully on February 13, 2022 in The Elliott Long Term Care at the age of 78 years. She was the cherished wife of Roger Manning; mother of Michael MacCurdy of Peterborough and Jill MacCurdy of Toronto; stepmother of Nick Manning (Kathy) and Andrew Manning (Lindsay) of Toronto; grandmother of five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. Born in Winnipeg to the late Morris and Lena Soltess, Lorraine is survived by her brother, Nelson Soltess (Dianne) of Winnipeg.

Lorraine courageously overcame an unexpected crisis in mid-life with strong faith in God and the support of loyal friends. New doors opened for her that led to a successful teaching career with the York District Catholic School Board. Her joyful approach, warm smile and keen sense of humour won the hearts of her ESL students and sustained long friendships.

In 2007, Lorraine retired to Guelph with Roger. Too young for rocking chairs, they toured Europe, visited the great Marian shrines of Lourdes and Fatima, cruised along European rivers, stayed with relatives in England, and twice explored the beautiful island of Madeira. Their travel adventures created many happy memories.

Retirement provided Lorraine with opportunities to volunteer in community activities. She joined the Camp Quality puppeteers in Guelph, who visited schools to raise awareness about childhood cancer. She led English conversation groups for newcomers at Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington, served on the executive of the Catholic Women’s League at Holy Rosary Parish, and assisted in several parish ministries. Sadly, her participation in social, community, and church activities came to an end during 2015 with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Our family is most grateful to the “Morning Glories” and the “A-Team” in The Elliott LTC Wellington unit for their caring service. We thank all who kept Lorraine in their prayers; and we acknowledge a special debt of gratitude to Sharen Workman, whose frequent visits brought comfort to Lorraine throughout her long and lonely ordeal.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, 18 February. Following the Mass, Lorraine’s ashes will be inurned at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed and can be accessed by clicking on the link below this obituary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lorraine’s special charities, Michael House and Good Shepherd Ministries, may be made through the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home and Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph 519-822-4731 or online at www.gilbertmacIntyreandson.com.