Lorraine Etta Harder

Lorraine passed away peacefully, with her family present, on January 4, 2024 in New Westminster.

She was born in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, the fifth of eight children, to Henry Nelson and Elsie (Halverson) Nelson.

After leaving school, Lorraine lived and worked in several places in Saskatchewan, Banff Alberta, and British Columbia, eventually arriving in Whitehorse, where she met the love of her life—Jack. They were married in September of 1958 and raised three children. In 1967, they moved to Coquitlam, BC, where they lived for over fifty years.

After retirement from the Bank of Montreal, where she worked for decades, Lorraine enjoyed travel, curling, textile and culinary arts, and pursuits at the much-loved family cabin at Gun Lake. She also volunteered with great enthusiasm for many years at the local community centre, and throughout her life loved to enjoy herself in the cheerful presence of those around her.

Lorraine is survived by her children Karen (Everett), James (Mary), and Wendi (Cam); her grandchildren Dawn (Tyler), Bruce (Katrina), and Deanna (Iain); seven great-grandchildren; siblings Morris and Elaine; numerous nieces and nephews; and her good friend Almut.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital for their compassionate care of Lorraine.

A celebration of her life was held at First Memorial Funeral Services Burkeview Chapel on Friday, February 23, 2024.

A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, August 17, at the Sturgis Community Cemetery.