Lorraine Martin Laroche (MacDonald)

Obituary

Passed on

1948 – 2025

Our hearts ache with sadness as we announce the passing of our beloved Lorraine after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born in Neepawa, October 28, 1948, middle child of Kenneth and Dorothy Martin.

She was predeceased by her father Kenneth Martin, her mother Dorothy Pearl Burton, her sister Verna Wilson, her mother-in-law Jeanette Marcoux, father-in-law Paul Laroche and mother-in-law Jeanne St. Louis and her grandson Kenneth.

Left to mourn her passing, her husband of 38 years Joe, daughter Catherine Malpas (Jeff), step-grandson Judd Malpas (Vanessa), brother Robbyn Martin (Ashley), sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gerry Wilson, Andree (Serge), Sylvie (Christian), Line (Pierre), Roger (Chantal), Lise (Sylvain), Rene, and Gerard (Denise), 17 nephews and nieces and 17 great nephews and great nieces, aunt Louisette Marcoux, aunt Pierrette Arel, uncle Raymond St. Louis ( Carmelle), Henri Demers, and special friend Brooklyn who referred to Lorraine as her Nana. There are numerous cousins and friends.

After her elementary and secondary education, she enrolled at Brandon University to become a teacher. She then went to the University of Manitoba for her education degree. This was the start of a long career as a teacher (1967 – 2003) mainly in St. James Assiniboia. She also worked evenings, weekends and summer jobs cooking in various restaurants, golf clubs, summer camps for the Fryers family and Larson family then doing taxes at H&R Block. She was a great writer and became editor for the Prairie Star, the Interlake Insight, the Lions International Newsletter (Pride parables) and script editor for its train time. The only other work on her wish list was to make flower arrangements.

We have to remember she was a farm girl and her work ethic was second to none. Lorraine had many talents and hobbies such as an avid gardener, prolific writer, quilter, oil painting on canvas and let’s not forget her musical talent, she played piano, organ, violin and guitar and had a beautiful voice for singing.

In her younger years she loved to curl, play volleyball and being a softball pitcher. She loved her furry babies, Josie, Finn, Echo, Harley and many others. Even through her busy schedule Lorraine always put family first, the birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were always special with a decorated table and feast to boot. In her later years she read book after book. Lorraine was very humble, generous and dedicated to her love ones, she was not only an example but also an inspiration to all around her. Her gentle nature attracted many lifetime friendships. She will be missed by many but nonetheless remember for her great soul.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Venter, Dr. Paul and his team at Health Sciences Centre CancerCare, Dr. Alexander and his team at the Selkirk Hospital CancerCare, the Home Care team especially Riva, and the Palliative Care team, also to the family members, friends and neighbors (too many to name but you know who you are) that have helped her through her journey.

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall Royal Canadian Legion, 459 Main Street, Stonewall, Manitoba. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a pet rescue of your choice or a charity of your choice.

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