Lorna loved gardenias, to read and to the feel the earth as she worked in her garden. She was passionate about Canadian and British History and the time she spent doing genealogical research. Lorna also loved sports especially tennis and was an avid swimmer for most of her life.
Lorna often shared how important certain women had been to her. Some had been there for most of her journey while others she met along the way. Her sister Mabel Wilson was a mother figure whom she cherished. Her sister Marjory she shared so many celebrations with and who she loved and missed greatly after her passing and Marjory’s mother-in-law Agnes Vegsund who welcomed her into her home and heart when Mum was a young woman.
Our mother met our father, Nick Henderson in 1956 and they were married the following year in New Westminster. I was born in 1958 and my brother in 1962 the year we moved to Vancouver Island. While in Port Alberni Lorna met Joyce Lovely who became a dear friend and they spent time together watching their families grow. Later she met Gene Giudici and Jean Clouthier whose friendship she treasured.
Lorna was blessed when Marie Low entered her life and later taught her how to play tennis. She adored Marie and admired her strength, spirit and determination. We were devastated when we lost Marie far too early.
Our parents relocated to Nanaimo in 1994 and Lorna began a genealogical journey with Norma Raynor. They spent many hours sharing research and being friends. Jan Vine then entered Lorna’s life. Jan was so kind to Mum and was the best kind of friend. One she could share her feelings with and talk candidly. Jan was with Mum for the end of her journey.
The greatest love of our mother’s life was her husband, Nick. Our parents were devoted to one another and shared 51 years. They walked hand in hand on Martin Valley Road in Ocean Falls while our father sang to her. Through the years they travelled and explored art galleries and museums, watched sunsets and played early morning tennis in Honolulu. They travelled to Great Britain many times and visited our father’s family in Scotland. Our mother was thankful for my father’s kindness, warmth, intelligence and devotion.
Lorna was blessed to have two wonderful sister-in-laws. Throughout Lorna’s married life she thought the world of Pat McCarthy and Sheila Henderson. They supported our mother when she wanted to retrace her Germanic history and travelled with her through Europe.
Lorna was grateful to the kindness shown to her by Stuart Warner of San Antonio, Texas and his sister Pam Leidel of Pine Ridge, New York. Stuart wrote to Mum often and shared his beautiful photographs and his adventures. Pam and Stuart like Mum descended from the Warner family. Lorna also felt very close to her cousin Audrey MacDonald and her brother Jerry Mac Millan. She had a deep affection for her sister Jean Lamb.
Lorna was supportive to her children and to her grandsons. She loved unconditionally and gave so much of herself. At times she provided me with great strength when I felt I had none. She was the most honest person I have ever met. After our father died our mother walked grief stricken when a multitude of white butterflies appeared and fluttered above her. This provided her with great comfort. I will wait for my butterflies.
Our mother was born at home on April 10, 1933 at 7.20 in Calgary, Alberta and took her final breath on February 10, 2021 in Nanaimo. Lorna is survived by her daughter - Susan Panton and grandson, Andrew Panton of Nanaimo. Her son – Brent Henderson and grandson – Nick Henderson of Port Alberni. Her sister – Jean Lamb of Vancouver and brother – Guy Mac Millan of Chilliwack. Her sister-in-law – Sheila Henderson of Pinehurst, North Carolina and sister-in-law – Patricia McCarthy of Blairgowrie, Scotland.
We are thankful for all the wonderful care our mother received through the years from Dr. B.J. Weight, Dr. J. Mander and Dr. K. King. At the end of her life Charles occupational therapist and Home Nursing Care supported her. Thanks also to all the amazing ambulance staff that frequently came to our home in the final days and gave us so much of themselves. We are forever grateful to the amazing Palliative team at NRGH.
I’ll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you.
Irving Kahal
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