Lorraine Wendy Janet Duncan

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Lorraine Wendy Janet Duncan. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Lorraine was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Lorraine was born on April 28, 1958 in Radway Hospital in Radway, Alberta. She was the daughter of Peter and Louise Gill. Lorraine was raised in Radway from birth to age 6, then in Edmonton, Alberta. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Lorraine was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Lorraine's personality throughout her life.

      Though Lorraine was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Lorraine was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Lorraine worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Lorraine was raised with five siblings. She had three older brothers, Donald, Kenneth, Douglas; one older sister, Patricia; and one younger sister, Marilyn (who died shortly after birth). Lorraine and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Lorraine was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Lorraine was always tactful. One thing Lorraine will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Lorraine had a number of interests and was an active child. Lorraine really didn't take part in sports when young, but loved to skip rope and dance. She loved helping her dad sell ''Poppies" and raise funds for charities. In her spare time she liked reading, listening to music, even the classics. Lorraine's memorable achievements included music and learning to play the clarinet.

      For Lorraine, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Lorraine was also adept at details. Lorraine was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from ME LaZerte in 1976. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was music/band. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was probably her band teacher. She loved band and played for three consecutive years.

      There was one thing that all of Lorraine's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker and an amazing listener. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Lorraine was such a popular person throughout her life. But Lorraine was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Lorraine was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Lorraine was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Lorraine was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Lorraine was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Lorraine made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Barbara, Brenda and Sandra Moffitt. Later in life, she became friends with Connie, Marci, Deb, Dee, Lorrie, June, ET, Faith, and many more.

      Lorraine was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Lorraine cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On December 23, 1993 Lorraine married Mykes Augustine Duncan at Private home ceremony performed by a JP of Edmonton, Alberta. Compassionate and devoted, Lorraine worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Lorraine, and she expected the same from those around her. Lorraine was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Lorraine was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Lorraine handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was the "face", the first point of contact that patients and clients interacted with as the receptionist / switchboard operator. She was employed for 38 years by The Allin Clinic. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Lorraine enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were bingo, music and dancing especially to a Caribbean rhythm, reading, watching movies, spending precious time with loved ones.

      Lorraine was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Lorraine was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Lorraine participated in bowling and curling. And in later life, she pursued the same recreational sports, bowling and curling. Lorraine also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey and Canadian Football.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Lorraine to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Lorraine did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Lorraine was a member of the school band. Throughout her later years, Lorraine was an active member of the The Royal Canadian Legion and Massage Association.

      Lorraine was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the Lauderdale Community Association and The Royal Canadian Legion, Norwood Branch.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Lorraine well with her faith. Faith were important to her. She was a member of the Norwood Canadian Legion for 10+years supporting others in numerous ways. Lori was more spiritual than religious in her practices, at peace in the sun, sand and beach, and loving to sit and watch a sunrise and sunset. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      A generous and compassionate woman, Lorraine accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Lorraine was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Although specifics about any awards are unknown, she deserved a 'purple heart' for making other people feel heard, understood and loved.

      Not only did Lorraine enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Mexico's Mayan Riviera, Trinidad Tobago and Dominican Republic.

      Lorraine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Nosey, her black cat, who was a best friend for 10+ years. Growing up she had a bunny named Thumper, a dog named Ginger, followed in later years by a tabby cat named Ali.

      Lorraine passed away on August 13, 2019 at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. She died in the ER, suddenly and very unexpectedly, due to a pulmonary embolism. She had been struggling with respiratory and circulation issues, recently being diagnosed with COPD and pneumonia. She is survived by an older brother, Douglas Gill, and an older sister, Patricia Hobbs Osuji. Services were held at Memories Funeral Home & Crematorium in Edmonton, Alberta and Lorraine was laid to rest in Little Mountain Cemetery in Edmonton, Alberta, beside her loving husband, Mykes.

      Lorraine was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Lorraine was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things firsthand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind.

Everyone whose life she touched will miss Lorraine Wendy Janet Duncan.

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With heavy hearts the family of Lori Duncan of Edmonton, Alberta (formerly of Radway, Alberta) announce her sudden passing on August 13, 2019 at the age of 61.

Lori is survived by brother Douglas (Shirley), sister Patricia (Terrence), sisters-in-law Kay and Tina, many nieces and nephews and extended family, along with numerous dear friends and work colleagues (past and present) of the Allin Clinic.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose hearts were touched by her amazing spirit. Lori is predeceased by her loving husband Mykes Duncan, mother Louise Gill, father Peter Gill (Mary Ellen), brothers Donald and Kenneth, infant sister Marilyn, nephew Derek, grandparents Nicholas and Anna Gill, Tymko and Maria Laskiwski.