With sadness, we announce the passing of Lorraine Wade on August 11, 2019.
Lorraine was born on November 11, 1924 in Pitt Meadows, BC to Minnie and Warren Parker, the second of two children. As a very young child, Lorraine lost her mother and older sister and so began a life which took her to live in different parts of Canada, most notably Ermine, Saskatchewan in the years of the Great Depression and in New Westminster, Hard work, determination and an unbreakable core of honesty defined Lorraine. Childhood work on the Saskatchewan farm, teenage summer jobs packaging peat in Surrey's Burns Bog and stamping logs at the New Westminster mill formed this woman who would go on to enlist in the Canadian forces during World War II where she monitored radar screens, led rehab activities at a military recovery centre and served as a corporal in Supplies. After the war, she attended university to study marine biology. Her marriage to Norman Wade in 1949 and life in Aspen Grove, BC was the beginning of her life as a pioneer in the lumber/sawmill industry of the province and later in cattle ranching in the interior of British Columbia, building the Kalamal Angus Ranch in Lavington, BC.
Lorraine dedicated her life to her two children, her husband's endeavours and the success of their ventures together.
Lorraine is survived by her son Eric; daughter Karen; cousin Reta; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband Norman in 2008; her mother Minnie and sister Thelma in 1929; father Warren in 1960; good friend Ruby Nesbitt; and cousin Jeanne.
A graveside service and gathering will be held in September 2019 at Christ Church Cemetery, Surrey Centre (Cloverdale) BC.
To honour Lorraine, donations would be welcomed at Variety - The Children's Charity, 4300 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, 4303 Pleasant Valley Road, Vernon, BC V1T 4M4 Phone: 250-542-4333. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com
Pleasant Valley Funeral Home