LORRIE THOMPSON (SMITH) -

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LORRIE THOMPSON (nee SMITH) 1938 - 2008 Lorrie Thompson passed away peacefully on Friday, February 15, 2008, with her family by her side. She is survived by two loving and devoted daughters and their spouses, Karen (Michael) and Susan (Jeffrey), and three delightful little grandchildren, Brett Debroni, Jamie and Riley Sinclair. Also survived by her two brothers, Kenneth Smith (Constance) and Ronald Smith (Janet), many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews and a few great-great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Howard (2005), father Stockton (1944), mother Violet (1971), sister Winnifred (1949) and many aunts, nieces and cousins. Born Loretta Smith in the family home on Brock Street, Lorrie attended Queenston, Robert H. Smith and Kelvin schools. Following her graduation in 1954, she was employed for many years at the Royal Bank of Canada. It was in the 1950s that Lorrie joined the Winnipeg Badminton Club. There, in addition to serving on many committees and the executive, she made many lifelong friends and met her permanent doubles partner, Howard. They were married May 5, 1967. When her daughters Karen and Susan were born, Lorrie's career turned to that of homemaker and mom. She was a devoted mother who was always there to support her children in whatever activity they were involved in. She also supported her community. A committed volunteer, Lorrie canvassed and area organized for the Cancer Society for over 20 years, served as an active member of the parent organizations at the kids' schools, canvassed for other charitable organizations, and, as Mrs. T., performed the roles of team manager, referee assignor, tournament organizer, and club treasurer in the city's youth and senior soccer communities. In her spare time, playing cards was a great source of enjoyment for Torrie, as she was affectionately known by many. Whether it was a game of hearts, Rummoli, gin rummy or crib, more than a few quarters were lost to her! And then there was her bridge club. For 40 years she played with the same group of very special ladies in St. James. She also took great pleasure in yard work whether she was at home or at Betula Lake where she was a cottager for over 45 years. As her neighbours will attest, a lawnmower, a shovel or a spade were never far from her hands and, when her work was done, many a happy hour with her friends and family followed. During her life, Lorrie saw much of the world. She treasured the winter months she spent with Howard in Tuscon, Arizona, and her frequent trips with friends and family to numerous destinations in Canada, the U.S.A., Europe and Australia. Most recently, in the spring of 2007, she enjoyed a trip to Portugal with her family; traveling with her three grandkids (all under the age of three!) made for extra special memories. A celebration of Lorrie's life will be held at St. Andrews Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Ave., on Friday, February 22, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Ian Mills officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Marilyn Candaele, Joan Green, Bert Haucke, Marg Hoffman, Irene MacKenzie, and Janet Smith. Remembrances in Lorrie's name may be made to the Chrohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada, PO Box 20009, 3310 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 2E5, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or to the Grace Hospice Foundation, 260 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3R5. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2008