Lorraine Marguerite McDonald

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lorraine McDonald on April 6, 2023. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of almost 55 years, Brian McDonald; daughter Julie McDonald and grandchildren Jack, Mallory, Jocelyn and Sydney; son Scott McDonald (Cynthia Puddu) and grandchildren Gabi and Dani; sister Berniece Malone (Jim), brother Ray Donais (Marjorie), sister-in-law Betty Donais (Leonard); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Juliet Donais, sister Helen Manz (Alf), and brother Leonard Donais (Betty).

Lorraine was born and grew up in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan, where her family operated the town’s general store, post office, and other interesting ventures. She was valedictorian of her high school class and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta before embarking on a career teaching home economics at schools across Alberta, as well as at Seneca College in Toronto. She also worked for The McCall Pattern Company in Toronto and New York, travelling to schools across Canada to demonstrate and promote McCall’s pattern books and celebrate the world of fashion. It was during her stint with McCall’s that she became known to some as “the fashion thing” – a moniker she wore with pride. Lorraine settled in Edmonton and married Brian in 1968. She did not return to teaching (at least formally) after the births of Julie and Scott.

Lorraine was a force of nature and will be remembered for her passion and sense of humour. She loved and was fiercely proud of her family, and defended and rooted for them unconditionally. She was softball coach; community hockey director; horn-tooting hockey, soccer and ringette super-fan; mess-enduring home baking instructor; cinnamon bun baking guru; gourmet chef and hostess of countless dinner- and birthday-parties; fashion icon and home tailor; and neighbourhood chauffeur. Her unbridled love, loyalty and compassion extended to her many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and her children’s friends. In her later years, Lorraine became an accomplished bridge player, earning a title of Silver Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League. However, her favourite role in her later years was that of “Nana”, loving and spoiling her six grandchildren unconditionally. Though she never considered herself an athlete, her grandchildren knew her as a tireless competitor in both basement and hallway soccer.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from both Home Instead and MacTaggart Place Retirement Residence for caring for Lorraine in her final months. Julie and Scott would also like to acknowledge Brian “Briguy” McDonald for ceaselessly and passionately caring for Lorraine through her long journey with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The family will be holding a celebration of her life at a later date.