Many things can be said about Miss Lorraine Evelyn Rawlins. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Lorraine was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.
Lorraine was born on September 9, 1961 at Georgetown Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana. Her parents were Joan & Leon. Lorraine was raised in Houston, Guyana. When she was young, Lorraine's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Lorraine demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.
Lorraine grew up with six siblings. One older sister, Angela, one older brother, Donald and four younger brothers, Clifton, Colin, Wayne and Michael. Lorraine was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Lorraine carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Lorraine was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.
During her high school years, Lorraine had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Lorraine had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Lorraine was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Lorraine as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.
Lorraine did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She earned her College Degree from George Brown College. The skill of being a good communicator helped Lorraine immensely during her college days. She was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced her to think. No matter what class it was, Lorraine was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.
Always considered a “great” friend, Lorraine sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Lorraine always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Lorraine’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Lorraine would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Lorraine was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, one of her best friends was Erica. Later in life, she became friends with Alison, Marlyn, Jackie, Dionne, Joe, Vanessa and many others.
Lorraine experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was her primary occupation was Revenue Clerk. She was employed for 30+ years at University Health Network. Lorraine always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Lorraine took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Lorraine was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Lorraine continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.
Because she was organized and methodical, Lorraine took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were puzzles, sightseeing, going to street fairs, The Taste of the Danforth, and Beaches Jazz Festival to name a few. Lorraine enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.
Lorraine derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Lorraine delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Lorraine was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey and basketball.
Throughout her life, Lorraine was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Lorraine was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Lorraine was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. Lorraine’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Lorraine’s ability to bring valued principles along with her. Throughout her later years, Lorraine was an active member of the YWCA.
Lorraine was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values. Liked to help younger people.
Lorraine’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Toronto New Covenant Church. During that time, she helped establish the Church Library and Resource Centre. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.
Lorraine enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she enjoyed planning and scheduling all of her vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Lorraine were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Jamaica, Guyana and USA.
Lorraine passed away on March 17, 2013 at Baycrest Hospital. Lorraine fought a very courageous and dignified battle against cancer. She is survived by her mother, father, one sister, five brothers, six nieces, ten nephews, two great nieces and two great nephews. Services were held at Toronto New Covenant Church. Lorraine was laid to rest in York Cementary.
Throughout her life, Lorraine was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Lorraine leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Miss Lorraine Evelyn Rawlins.
Lorraine may no longer be with us in body but in spirit her grace, her poise, her humanity and her gentle word will continue to resonate not only within me, my family and the children she adopted along the way but I'm sure through the heart and mind of those who had the pleasure of being able to say they knew her.
She might have lost her battle but in the meaning of life she has won the war.
Your loving brother
Michael
My darling daughter I watched you suffering and wished that I could take your place. I could not wish to have a better daughter but the time has come that I had to let you go and I would miss you every day but I know you are in a better place. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Your loving mother
“The comfort of having a friend may be taken away, but not that of having had one”. I cherished your friendship and will always have fond memories of the time we spent together. Your strength, grace and spirit will be forever remembered. Fly with the angels my friend.
A friend always....Alison
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