Lorraine Teresa Silvani

She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years and best friend, Michael; siblings Eileen (George), Kathleen (Ed), John (Caroline), Paul (Marlene); children Daniel (Aislinn), Thomas (Veronica), Trevor (Katie), and Nick; and many nieces and nephews. Devoted and nurturing grandma to Elsa, Tully, Maddy, Oliver, and Everett. Predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Margaret Kavanagh, and mother in law Sonia (Strizewsky) Silvani.

Born May 28, 1955 in Toronto, Lorraine spent her early years growing up in Scarborough, Burlington, and Ottawa. In everything she did, she had seemingly boundless energy and zest for life, and a predisposition toward kindness and compassion. She dedicated her life and career to nurturing and caring for those around her, including her family, friends, and community.

In her career as a Registered Nurse, she worked with organizations like the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), and truly found her calling working in community mental health. She spent many years on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team in Fergus, Kitchener, and Guelph, for which she is remembered by many clients for her dedication, friendship, and generosity. Even after retiring, she continued to do what she loved, holding several part-time nursing roles, most recently at Stepping Stone, where she provided mental health support and other healthcare to those who were experiencing homelessness and seeking permanent housing in Guelph-Wellington.

Lorraine's guiding principle was grace. She greeted the world with a trusting heart and an effortless expectation that goodness was waiting to reveal itself. She had a warm sense of humour, a gift for connection, and a generosity of spirit that made others feel seen. For years, she volunteered every Monday at the Guelph Drop-in Centre, serving meals, washing dishes, and bringing warmth through her visits with those who attended. More recently she was a regular volunteer at Royal City Mission, serving meals and connecting with others.

Lorraine loved spending time with her family, planning regular visits, phone calls, and outings with her children, grandchildren, and siblings near and far. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, encouraging them through difficult times with optimism and positivity, and an endless belief in the goodness of others. She kept active with a variety of hobbies and diverse circles of friends, regularly walking, playing tennis, doing yoga, baking, exercising, and sewing clothes and quilts for her family. Visitation will be held at MacIntyre Gilbert & Son Funeral Home & Chapel, 252 Dublin St N, Guelph, on Thursday, December 4th from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm.

A celebration of life will take place at the same location on Friday, December 5th, with a final visitation from 1-2 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm. A reception will be held after the service from 3-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lorraine’s memory to Michael House shelter, Stepping Stone, or Royal City Mission.

Lorraine’s legacy of grace, joy, and boundless compassion will be forever cherished by her family and her community.