Lorainne Clara McLarty

It is with great sadness that the family of Lorainne McLarty (nee Handlen) announce her peaceful passing on March 14, 2025. Lorainne was born in Kelowna on July 12 1929 at Kelowna General Hospital and passed away peacefully at Cottonwoods Extended care.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, R Hugh McLarty in 2003 and her son Brian in 2008.

She is survived by 5 children: Dianne (Doug), Doug (Karen), James (Lorraine), Sheila (Randy) and Catherine (Cliff); 19 grandchildren Patricia, Suzanne, Christopher (Amanda), Christine (Ryan), Jennifer (Henry), Amanda (Norman), Andrea (Anthony), Kelli, Kevin (Andra), Barbara (Travis), Heather (David), Ashley, Allyssa (Anthony), Daniel (Ashley), Erich (Jessie), David, Brian (Danielle), Thomas (Heather), Elizabeth (Scott) and 20 great-grandchildren.

Lorainne’s early years were in Rutland/Kelowna and has relayed many stories growing up at Reid’s Corner, going to Teen town dances and CGIT. During her years, she and Hugh moved across Canada, as Hugh was in the armed forces.

After many years in Northern BC; Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace, she moved back to the Okanagan with Hugh, where they both retired. She retired from the South Okanagan Health Unit (now Interior Health).

Lorainne's passions were her family, traveling, reading and history. During her working years, she was involved in BPW-Business Professional Women of Canada. A long time member of Central Okanagan Heritage Society and Kelowna Genealogy Society, enabled her to document her family lines and Kelowna's heritage. Lorainne was always busy and participated in many organizations. Her grandchildren often mentioned they needed to make an appointment to see her, as she was always busy, even after she retired.

Her family will remember all the camping, fishing, and visits - from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut to Calgary AB, Creston, Pemberton, Prince George, Parksville BC—anywhere her children lived. She and Hugh would load up the home-home and off they would go. Over the years, she and Hugh traveled across Canada from the Okanagan Valley to Yukon, the Prairies, Ontario and Northern Canada, researching their family histories and genealogy while visiting family, friends and museums.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cottonwoods Extended Care Unit and Hawthorne Park Retirement community for their care.

She was a member of the First United Church, now Central Okanagan United Church most of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 2 2025 at 2 pm at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Ave, Kelowna BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online at the time of the service at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87180971824?pwd=V3BuaXJWK0JZM3RyTGVIS1ZQcFJwdz09

Meeting ID: 871 8097 1824

Passcode: 523290

The service will also be livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Centralokanaganunitedchurchkelownabc/

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.