Mom had endured a lengthy journey with dementia. We say good-bye to mom with peace in our hearts, knowing she is whole again. Re-united with her beloved husband, Don and cherished sister, Joyce as well as many of her dear friends and family that have gone on before her.
Mom was born, January 26, 1937, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Mom’s fondest memories of childhood was of her time on their farm in the small town of Barrhead, Alberta. She deeply appreciated the time spent on the farm with her parents and bother, sister and cousin Mark. Memories of skating on the slough in winter and riding their horse Mins in the spring. She would never tire of sharing these wonderful memories with us.
By 1955, mom was now a young woman and looking to stretch her wings. She decided to leave the farm and join the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Fighter Control Operator. During her service she was stationed in CFB Comox. It was during this time she met and fell in love with her life partner and our father, Don McBride. Mom and dad’s subsequent marriage brought about the end to mom’s air-force career due to regulations during those times, women could not marry someone in another branch of the service.
Mom and dad, now married, settled into their new apartment on Wollaston St in Esquimalt, just up the road from mom’s cousin, Earle and wife Bena. Mom and dad had many happy memories of this time in their life. They fondly remembered Christmases and camping trips with Earle and Bena and their young family.
By the early 60s, mom and dad purchased their first home in the then new Northridge subdivision. The neighbourhood became home to many of mom and dads close friends and their families, the Reynolds, Farquhars and Laileys to name a few. It wasn’t long after that mom and dad had a young family of their own to keep them busy.
In 1979, dad retired from the Navy, it was during this time that dad and mom decide to go into the restaurant business together, first as part of a franchise and then on their own as Don’s Super Deli and later as Deli City. Mom and dad’s formula seemed to have work well. Dad provided the atmosphere for the customers up front, while mom was the motor of the operation behind the scene.
Together for 25 years, they ran a successful business in the ever competitive food industry while raising a young family. In 2005, mom and dad finally decided to retire and enjoy being grandparents. Although the joy and relaxation of retirement was far too brief for mom, we know she enjoyed what time she had.
Mom had a strong work ethic, she was fiercely loyal and had a ‘call it as she see it’ personality. She was all those things but for those who truly knew her, she was a deeply caring person with a big heart, tremendous sense of humour and a gratitude for family and the company of good friends. Words will never do justice to what you truly meant to us all. We will miss you Mom! All of the laughter and wonderful spirit you brought into our lives. Those memories will endure. Till we meet again.
Lorraine is survived by her three sons Donald, Stephen and Alan, as well as five grandchildren and one great grandson. We would like to thank all of the wonderful staff and volunteers at The Heights at Mount View for their compassionate and dedicated care of mom. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
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