Christianson, Ruth Lorraine

Our precious mother, Lorraine Christianson passed away peacefully Friday, May 26, 2017 at the Hartney Community Health Centre in Hartney, MB. She was 89 years old, and lived a full, rich life. Lorraine, the beloved wife of the late Archie Christianson will be dearly missed by her five children and their families; her daughters, Diane (Enn) Ots of Tallahassee, FL, Linda (Doug) Christianson-Thompson of Richmond, ON, Susanne (Barry) Paulenko of Roblin, MB; her sons David (Linda) Christianson of Virden, MB, and Ward (Marlene) Christianson of Winnipeg, MB, and her nine grandchildren; Alexey and Karl Ots, Laura Thompson, Kristin (Thompson) LeClair, Adriana (Christianson) Putz, Naomi and Nolan Christianson, Jeremy and Carley Paulenko, her eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other extended family as well as many friends and neighbors. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents Josephine Moir and Clarence Junk; brothers Jim (Louisa) Junk, Tom Junk; sister Eva (Orval) Spearing; brothers-in-law Don Williams, Verne Christianson, Don McRae, Dale Eldred, Al Pratt and sister-in-law Dorothy Pratt and survived by brother Jack (Noreen) Junson of Winnipeg, and twin sister Doreen Williams of Dartmouth, NS who recently passed away on June 3, 2017; sisters-in-law, Rose Junk of Carlyle, SK, Lavern Christianson of Medicine Hat, AB, Devona (Jack) Shannon of Melita, MB, and Marie Eldred of Cranbrook, BC. Lorraine was born on October 13, 1927 along with her identical twin sister Doreen on a farm near Oxbow SK. The family farmed near Melita, MB. Lorraine’s dad died in a farm accident December 31, 1947 and the family moved to Napinka where Lorraine attended school. In the spring of ‘48, Lorraine became Mrs. Archie Christianson. They had five children and lived in Elkhorn, Sinclair, Souris, Saskatoon and Deloraine. Lorraine worked as a nurse’s aide and enjoyed her work and helping others. She was very active and giving of her time. She did volunteer work in the communities where she lived, among these activities were Hillcrest Museum, Legion Ladies, WI Group Treasurer, and the 4H Club. There was a move back to Souris in ‘78, where they would spend the next few decades. When Archie retired, they spent their winters in Texas and Florida where they made many friends. Lorraine became involved in quilting, crocheting and missions work. She made many beautiful quilts and afghan blankets. She enjoyed family gatherings and in the summer months they loved to camp with family. We have many fond memories of these times together. Lorraine and Archie travelled throughout Canada, the States and had a special trip to Alaska. Lorraine was always thinking about others. She was a great hostess and you were never in her house very long before you would have something to eat and drink in front of you, regardless of the time of day. She had many talents and was creative, artistic, musical, and very generous towards others. She was known for her kindness and neighborly gestures. She also had a great sense of humor. Lorraine was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma. She truly was an amazing lady. In her last years, she never complained about her situation and could often be heard saying…“I’ll be alright”. Two years ago, she was blessed with a new home in Hartney Personal Care. She enjoyed her time there and continued to live life to its fullest with visits from family and friends, outings to nearby communities. Lorraine had many blessings in her life and a lot to be thankful for, but one of the things she cherished the most was her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hearts are heavy and we miss her so, but we have no doubt that she’s in the presence of the Lord and there’s no better place to be. So we’ll not say goodbye, but “So long….Till we meet again.” Lorraine’s Funeral Service was held on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Community Baptist Church in Souris, with Pastor Randy Moffit of Roblin officiating and special music provided by Laurie Moffit also of Roblin. Son-in-law Barry Paulenko provided words of remembrance and a tribute to Lorraine on behalf of the family. Lorraine’s family appreciated the support of everyone who attended the funeral service. Following the service, there was a time of fellowship, memories and refreshments in the church hall with lunch provided by the Faith Community Baptist Church Ladies. The Interment Service was at Napinka Cemetery where son-in-law Enn Ots read a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye entitled Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep. If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Lorraine may be made to the Hartney Community Health Centre c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 280 Hartney, Manitoba ROM 0X0