Lorraine Marie Jeannine Verdenik, aged 82, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Born on September 10, 1942, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Lorraine, was the cherished daughter of Helene and Maurice Meunier. She was predeceased by William Dennis (Denny) Verdenik, her parents, and her sister Theresa Zahara and brother Richard (Ricky) Meunier who held a special place in her heart.
Lorraine spent her formative years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, moving to the Thunder Bay area in 1970, where she raised her family. She found joy in administering and coaching the YBC bowling program at Galaxy Lanes, introducing all her children to bowling.
Lorraine's life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to family and her passion for personal growth. She devoted much of her time to raising her children and worked at Chapple's Department Store and Galaxy Lanes. In her 40’s, Lorraine made a bold decision to return to school, enrolling in Confederation College's Community Gerontology Program. She excelled academically, a feat she proudly described as "pretty good for an old broad like me!" Lorraine’s lifelong learning continued as she earned several additional certificates over the course of her second career.
Always one to put others before herself, Lorraine’s desire to help others led her to a rewarding career in recreation, where she supported seniors at the Herb Carrol 55 Plus Centre. Her warmth, humor, and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with and cared for. Upon retiring in 2006, Lorraine briefly enjoyed some well-deserved rest before diving into volunteer work at the 55 Plus Centre. She also cherished the time spent caring for her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
Lorraine is survived by her loving family, who will deeply miss her. She is survived by her sisters Louise Early of Point Pleasant, WV, Suzanne Gus of Surrey, BC, Gisele Cox of Winnipeg, MB, and her brother Charles Meunier (Beverly) of Winnipeg; her children Keith Verdenik (Lynda), Michele Tanguay (Steve), Jeannine Verdenik (Lorne Clifford), and Len Verdenik (Anita); her grandchildren, affectionately known as GMA or GGMA to Jonelle Armitage (Andy), Christopher Verdenik, Kate-Lyn Gatto (Dave), Chelsea Sanders, Chelsea Carr (Andrew), Mickey Nagy (Katherine Deschenes), Teyla and Ronon Verdenik; and her great-grandchildren James and Zenon Armitage, Lola Gatto, and Everett Carr.
Special thanks to Liisa Larocque, who stepped in to provide ongoing support to Mom to help her stay in her home at Chartwell Glacier Ridge as her health declined, and to her dear friends, both new and old, who spent time with her over the past several months. To the residents of Glacier Ridge retirement home, especially table mates Sylvia Nordstrom, Lorraine Moucha, and Ellie Legge, and long-time friend Helen Bachinski, your friendship provided Mom with a wonderful community. Keith, Lynda, Michele, Jeannine, and Lorne cherished joining you for meals and getting to know you.
A heartfelt thank you to all the medical professionals and staff at Glacier Ridge who made Mom’s last few months so very special. Of the many nurses, personal support workers and physicians, noteworthy care was provided by Georgette, Caralyn, Janie, Joanne, and Tao. We are forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.
Lorraine was quietly committed to her faith, and a memorial service to celebrate Lorraine’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Heritage Chapel, celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly, with a reception in the Georgian Room to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, or the United Way of Thunder Bay in Lorraine’s memory.
Lorraine's legacy of kindness, determination, and joy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered with great affection and admiration.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue,Thunder Bay.
