It is with an immense amount of sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Alice Bethell on November 17, 2024 at the young age of 82. Lorraine passed peacefully with some of her closest family members by her side. Lorraine loved her family and always looked forward to spending time with all of them.
Lorraine is survived by her son Shaun (and Teresa), grandson Tyler (and Julie), sisters Colleen and Rita, brother Larry and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also her step family the St. Arnaud’s who she was very close to.
Lorraine was born February 9, 1942 in Edmonton to parents Mary and Lawrence McDonald. She grew up and attended school in Morinville, Alberta. She had her son Shaun at age 20 and did an admirable job of raising him as a single parent which in those days was incredibly difficult but she loved him and was very proud of him.
Lorraine met Barry and they got married on November 10, 1979. Barry passed away July 20, 2021. Barry and Lorraine enjoyed a life of travel to various places around the world. They also loved taking grandson Tyler on many holidays in their motor home travelling across Canada and the US. Other passions were hot rods, car shows, racing and spending time with all the great friends associated with this lifestyle.
When she was younger, Lorraine worked for AGT as a telephone operator. After she had Shaun, Lorraine spent the balance of her career working with one company, Millar Western Industries as an Executive Secretary. She made life long friends there and was thought of as part of the family. Lorraine was a fine example of kindness and generosity, her dedication, ethics and devotion were just who she was as a person.
In keeping with her wishes, no public service will be held. The family and friends will have a Celebration of Life for Lorraine at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to make donations to the SCAR Society (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society).
Condolences and memories of your times with Lorraine can be shared with the family at SimplyCremations.com.
Those we love don’t go away — They walk beside us everyday Unseen, Unheard but always Near. Still loved Still Missed and very Dear.
Lorraine, we love you so much!
Wayne & I send our profound condolences to all of Lorraine’s family. We will miss her SO VERY MUCH! We met in the 60’s while drag racing & reconnected while Hot Rodding. Lorraine & Barry were very special friends. Lorraine, I am missing you terribly! Our long talks on the phone, our lunches & special times together. Rest in peace my dear friend. Till we meet again.
Oh my dear Cousin, Yes you were “The Nice One” (private joke). We are mising you on our girls outings here in Palm Springs, trips to “the deadman’s stores” are just not the same.
You were always such a pleasure to be around & will remain in our Hearts & memories forever.
Live for today as tomorrow is not promised. Miss you.
We were so sad to hear that Lorraine had passed and want to send our deepest condolences to the family. We met Lorraine through her sister Colleen and immediately felt a connection. She was such a good sport and always seemed to be ready to join in with whatever we were doing. Such a sweet, gentle spirit– we will miss her.
Shawn & Tyler & family, Larry,Rita, Colleen & families
My deepest condolences to all, Lorraine will be truly missed. She was one of the strongest, bravest women I have ever known. I grew up with Lorraine in Morinville – 4 of us girls were inseparable from grade 1 to 12. So lucky to have had here for a friend . Will miss her at our lunches at Cajun house. Shaun you were the light in her life and she was so very proud of you. She so loved her apartment that you did for her.
Our condolences to your family for your loss. Lorraine was a beautiful person, always so kind about everyone, such a gentle kind soul. I only knew Lorraine for a brief amount of time, but I was instantly drawn to her kind, mild manner. Lorraine, you surely will be missed, hope I meet you in the future.
Shaun, Colleen, Rita, Larry and families – my condolences on your tremendous loss. It is difficult to adequately describe what Lorraine meant to me and my entire family. For more than four decades, she graced the halls of Millar Western’s head office – with an emphasis on grace. Lorraine was an ever-composed, dignified, skilled professional whose contributions as a colleague were immensely valued. She was also an amazingly supportive friend and positive influence my life for more than 50 years. Since retiring, we lunch ladies have treasured our weekly gatherings, and the times that she and I were able to linger — as she intently mentored me through the daily grinds of parenting, family health issues, losses etc. — will be with me always. Lorraine loved and was loved like no other. She will forever be missed.
Lorraine was so easy to love and will be greatly missed in our blended family. As a new sister-in-law Lorraine and her siblings welcomed the St. Arnaud clan with grace.
Lorraine was kind, always smiling and ready to share in the laughs at any gathering. Her courage and positivity, when faced with life threatening diagnoses and treatments, made me humble to see her strength and acceptance. We loved her.
Janet and I were so sorry to hear that Lorraine had passed away.
We first met Lorraine in the early 1970’s when my friend Ted Bird, who I emigrated to Canada with, met Lorraine’s sister Colleen. As Janet and I had no family in Edmonton. Colleen, Lorraine and the rest of their family adopted us and invited us to their family get togethers, until we moved to Victoria in 1989.
Lorraine was always so kind and friendly and so nice and easy to be around.
We will remember her as always having a lovely smile and we will keep that smile and other fond memories of her.
My sympathy to Shaun and family and also to the McDonald and St Arnault families.
Lorraine was not only my sweet cousin but also a dear friend. We had lots of laughs together at our Cajun House gatherings. They won’t be the same without her.
I’m so happy Irene and I got to visit her a few days before her passing.
Lorraine will be in my heart for the rest of my days.
Hugs to you all..
Our sincere condolences to all the members of Lorraine’s family and to her friends. Her passing will leave such an empty space. We came to know Lorraine only in the later years of her life but she immediately became a friend. What a beautiful person, both inside and out! We so looked forward to the times when she and Colleen would come for a visit. She will be greatly missed.
Shaun, Theresa, Tyler, Colleen, Rita , Larry & and the many family members who cared deeply for Lorraine. What a beautiful obituary, you can certainly feel the love. I feel blessed to have had Lorraine in my life and I am thankful for many happy memories. She was truly one of the most genuine, kind, courageous and gentle friends I have ever had. Lorraine was beside me through some of my best of times and some of my worst of times, she always made me feel better. As with many others my heart is broken and I will miss her with my whole being and will never forget her. As one of our close friends said…”it is easy to love Lorraine”…and boy do I love her, forever and always. Rest in Peace, Lorraine and my wishes to all of you to find peace in your memories.
Our deepest condolences to Lorraine’s family whom we know she was so proud of. Although Lorraine will not be at our next Cajun House lunch rendezvous, we will remember her kind, gentle spirit and her easy-going attitude. May she rest in peace!
She was awesome!
What great memories we have of this great lady we will cherish them.
Our dear friend Lorraine we miss you greatly.
We send our love and prayers to the family.
Fred and Luella
My deepest condolences. Lorraine was a warm and caring person, she will be greatly missed.
Dear Shaun, Tyler, Rita, Larry, Colleen and all of Lorraine’s loved ones: my deepest sympathy on the recent loss of your mother, grandmother and sister. Lorraine was a beautiful, gentle soul with an easy smile and a kind word for many. I will miss our special lunches together, catching up with family members at restaurants in Sherwood Park, Edmonton and occasionally St. Albert and even Red Deer. We could always count on Lorraine to order a delicious dessert after consuming a full meal and enjoy every morsel. May she rest peacefully, reunited with Barry, her parents, Lou, niece Heather and so many others as they welcome her home.
I admired and loved Lorraine very much. She was a genuine person who could be trusted and a very good friend who could be counted on in difficult and in good times. I will miss her for her fun loving ways, great sense of humor, kindness and generosity. My sincere condolences to all. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Lorraine and Barry were in our car group. We had lots of laughs and great times. We’re sending our Condolences to the Family. She will be Missed.
Darcy & Bill Burkett & Family.
Thank you Shaun for the beautiful Obituary.
Lorraine wasn’t only my best friend but the kindest role model to Hannah and Jackson. Honestly, there are so many memories to count, but we have them forever.
Over the 26 years I’ve known her she was always there to comfort when needed and helped to keep our unruly husbands at bay when they got together. Yicks!
The strength and compassion Lorraine gave is true form radiating from Shaun, Theresa, Tyler and Julie. We miss you so much, but knowing you will never have pain again gives peace. Love you forever.
My deepest condolences to the family , Lorraine was my very best friend since 1984.. We shared many wonderful times , she was the most generous, kind, honest person I have ever known. Lorraine, you will always be in my heart. I miss you so much….