Lorraine Rose Dunn (née LeBlanc)

She was the first child born to the late Blanche and Pius LeBlanc, and raised on the beautiful French shore of Nova Scotia. The homestead, “chez Pius”, was filled with music, art, laughter, and love, and where Lorraine learned the importance of family, tradition and hard work. During her early years and in retirement, the arts played an important role in her life, be it singing in church and community choirs, playing piano, or learning watercolour. She shared her creative spirit and love of the arts with her children and granddaughter.

After completing her Nova Scotia Provincial Teaching license in Truro in 1949, she taught in a two-room schoolhouse in Meteghan River for several years. From stories mom regaled, it was quite an adventure and responsibility. She later moved to Halifax for new adventures and other job opportunities. Mom was a very social person and she made many lifelong friends during those years. She met her husband Jim in Halifax, a pilot with the Canadian Navy. In her early married years, Lorraine devoted herself to family life, raising her children often on her own as is the life of a military wife.

In the early seventies, Lorraine went back to teaching. She taught core French with the Halifax School Board for several years but was soon recruited to teach in a new French Immersion Program with the HSB. It gave her great joy to help young children on their educational journey. She taught for several decades and at the same time continued her own education at Mount Saint Vincent University. Her family remembers how hard she worked – she was a strong role model, with a solid work ethic. There was still time for some fun, such as beach adventures with a car full of teenagers, antiquing, and trips to Clare where country life and ocean air would fuel the soul.

Mom had a generous heart and was there to help family and friends in need. Many were touched by her thoughtfulness – an encouraging word, a card for every occasion or a special gift to let you know she was thinking of you. Her sense of humour was enjoyed by all who knew her, although sometimes her blunt delivery of what in her mind was humorous got lost in translation. “It doesn’t translate from French” she would say with a twinkle in her eye. Always the gracious hostess she made everyone feel welcome: family, friends, neighbours and strangers. No one ever went hungry at mom’s, food and a good cup of tea were always on offer!

She is survived by her children Kimberley Dunn, Renée Dunn, and Curtis Dunn; granddaughter Jessica Dunn and great-grandchildren Brody, Lance and Ella Rose; many nieces and nephew; first cousins Jeanne (Hector) Thibault, François (Marie) Comeau. She was predeceased by her husband, James Dunn (LCdr CD retired); sisters Louise LeBlanc, Rose Marie Gordon, Alice McDonald and brother René LeBlanc. She will be deeply missed and live forever in our hearts.

Our appreciation is extended to the CCAs, nurses and other staff on Point Pleasant Way at Shannex Parkstone in Halifax for their care of mom this past year and their support in her final days.

Donations in Lorraine’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society Nova Scotia.

"Thank you for stopping by." Bonsoir chère maman.

Service information to follow.