March 27,1956 - Jan. 21, 2015
We lost our sweet Lorraine in the early morning hours on Jan. 21.
Lorraine Nancy LeBourdais was born on March 27, 1956 in North Vancouver, daughter of Nancy and Jerry LeBourdais and the youngest of four children. Nancy (Nelly) was a registered nurse while Jerry worked at the Shellburn oil refinery in Burnaby. Their progressive political activities created a stimulating environment at home. On one occasion, well before Canada recognized China, Lorraine and her parents were invited aboard a Chinese cargo ship where the crew gave Lorraine gifts, delighted to see a young child after a long voyage.
In 1971, the LeBourdais family moved to Quesnel Lake then to a small farm at Rose Lake on the Horsefly Road. Lorraine attended and graduated from Columneetza Secondary School in Williams Lake. Lorraine was a natural and confident rider on her horse Stony. She joined the Rose Lake 4H Club winning the Reserve Grand Champion award for her steer. Lorraine saw her children participate with 4H. A deep love and awareness of children and animals marked Lorraine’s life.
Lorraine met Rob Diether in Williams Lake in 1973. A year later Rob and Lorraine moved to the Borland Meadow eventually joined by her parents and young friends to start an organic commune. The group (CEEDS) left the Borland Meadow in 1985 to settle on rented farms in the 100 Mile area.
Robin was born in June 1990 then Kelly in February 1994 bringing Lorraine the greatest happiness. Kelly and Robin attended the Horse Lake Elementary School where Lorraine volunteered, helping children with reading. She also ran the popular garden club for several years.
Lorraine operated a small but successful organic nursery from their home on Horse Lake Road. Lorraine will be remembered by many for offering bedding plants, hanging baskets and CEEDS vegetables at the farmers market. Over the years Lorraine mentored a host of friends and visitors passing on her knowledge, passion, work habits and sharing her humour in the greenhouses and the CEEDS gardens.
Lorraine made time to go on trips and excursions with Robin and Kelly which almost always involved her mother Nelly. They were inseparable — if you knew Lorraine, you knew her energetic and entertaining mother.
In 2011 Lorraine enrolled in the local VIEW programme and went on to complete an online business course at Thompson River University. She graduated in 2012 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
We profoundly miss Lorraine’s love, her guidance, her strength of conviction and her compassion.
Lorraine was pre-deceased by her brother Louis and father Jerry. She is survived by her mother Nancy; sister Linda (George); brother Ray (Maureen); children Robin (Natalie) and Kelly; life partner Rob; many nieces and nephews and CEEDS members Greg, Rod and Karen.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a scholarship fund in Lorraine’s name are being accepted at the Williams Lake and District Credit Union.
A gathering to celebrate and honour Lorraine’s life will take place on May 2 at the Lone Butte Community Hall. Time to be announced later.