Lorraine (Smith) Rae

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Lorraine Rae, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She departed from this world on July 2nd, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion.

Born on April 29th, 1933, Lorraine Rae was a beacon of warmth and compassion to all who knew her. Her love knew no bounds, and she touched the lives of countless individuals throughout her journey. Her loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, and the community that was fortunate enough to have known her. Lorraine was the daughter of John William Smith, Marjorie (McNeil) Smith, and sister to Brad Smith.

Lorrie was preceded by her husband of 65 years (New Glasgow 1956), Dr. James (Lugs) Robert Rae, on December 5th, 2021. Lorrie and Lugs created a family they saw extend three generations. Their home was a source of happiness, welcome, and kindness to an entire community. While Lugs’ athletic and medical career drew the headlines, Lorrie provided the heart centre of a thriving family, nurturing a wide community of friends and family. Many around the StFX campus often inquired about how to receive an invite to dinner at the Rae's. When in fact all they ever needed to do was show up and a plate would be set. A great many shared a laugh, a game of cards, or a meal around Lorrie’s table.

As a mother, Lorrie poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience, and perseverance. She provided a nurturing and loving environment, always putting the needs of her family first. Her unwavering support and guidance were a solid foundation for her children's success and happiness. Raising four children with a husband in medical school and a scratch handicap was no small feat; adding three grandchildren before the fourth child finished High School confirmed Lorrie as an all-time mom.

Nan found immense joy in being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with them. From baking cookies, making the best strawberry jam, eating ice cream with smarties and providing an endless supply of Fruit Loops, Grandma’s was a second home for her grandkids. Lorrie’s love as a grandmother truly enriched the lives of her children and grandchildren, creating opportunity, comfort, and love as the matriarch to thirteen for over forty years. Nan’s love and generosity deeply impacted the lives of her grandchildren.

Beyond being a grandmother, Great-Gran embraced the blessings of becoming a great-grandmother. The arrival of each new generation filled her heart with immeasurable love and pride. She delighted in watching her family grow, witnessing the passing of traditions and forging strong bonds between siblings and cousins. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday the best way she knew how; surrounded by family, sharing laughs over a delicious meal with a glass of wine in hand.

In addition to her role as a loving matriarch, Lorrie had many passions and interests including cooking, horses and photography. Lorrie’s accumulation of photo albums is another example of her all-time status; few amateur photographers have built a larger collection of memories on film than Lorrie. Her talents and zest for life will forever be remembered and celebrated.

While we mourn the loss of our dear mother, Nan, Grandma, Great-Gran, we take solace in her precious memories and profound impact on our lives. Lorrie also had a very special bond with her many nieces and nephews. Her spirit will continue to live on through her family, who will carry her love and teachings in their hearts for generations to come.

Lorraine is survived by four children, Kimberly (Howard), Paul, Janise, and Michael; their spouses, Chris, Karen, Mike, and Shauna; nine grandchildren, Scott, Sean, Georgia, Burke, Cassidy, Avery, Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Morgan, and four great-grandchildren Sam, Gus, Emma, and Zoe.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the QEII Foundation, a cause that was close to the Rae family and the home of a staff that made Lorraine’s final days comfortable and very well cared for.

https://my.qe2foundation.ca/donations (In memory of Lorraine Rae).

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have offered their condolences. Your kindness and presence have provided strength and comfort to our family at this time.