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December 21, 2020
On December 21, Lorraine Waring (née Lemieux) of Courtenay and Savary Island, B.C., died peacefully at the age of 76.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Glenn, four children and five grandchildren: Daughter Michelle Tom, husband Kevin, and daughter Olivia of Hamilton, Ontario; son Gregory, wife Stephanie Thatcher of Vernon, B.C., and daughters Carly and Eleanor of Vancouver, B.C.; daughter Nicole, husband Jason Stang, and sons Mackay and Richard, all of Calgary, AB; and son Richard of Savary, Island, B.C.
Lorraine is also survived by one sister Annette Ayre, and five brothers; Gerard, Maurice, Fred, Raymond, and Lawrence Lemiuex - all of the Edmonton area. She is predeceased by her brother Robert. In addition, she had 19 nieces and nephews.
Known to family and many friends as Rainbow, she fought a brave and determined battle with cancer for the last 20 months. Her final weeks were spent at home, surrounded by love, and cared for by her adoring family who are eternally grateful to have had this time with her.
Rainbow is lost to us in this world, but we can all take comfort knowing the pain has finally subsided. She will live on not only in the memories she helped create for those fortunate enough to spend time with her, but in the influence and wisdom she imparted on those in her orbit. Many might not recall requesting Rainbow's advice, but those who received it realized the exemplary quality of, and honest love that was attached to, that wisdom.
The second eldest of eight children, Lorraine was a natural leader and organizer, and enriched several communities and organizations throughout her life. Highlights include integral advocacy in the late 70s for the B.C. Parents For French, active roles with the Liberal parties of Canada and Alberta, tireless volunteer work with the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign (Glacier Grannies), active membership in the Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Club and D'Esterre Duplicate Bridge Club, and over two decades as a member of the Master Gardeners of BC.
A biology teacher by training, Lorraine was most at home in the garden. She not only brilliantly designed and energetically cared for her own native gardens on Savary Island and in the Comox Valley, but also shared her knowledge and passion with many others; offering suggestions (whether solicited or not), tips, and even physical support to friends and strangers alike.
Rainbow was a spirited, tenacious, and loving bundle of energy who left a huge positive imprint everywhere she went and with everyone she knew. She was a woman who knew how to get things done, and lived by her own terms until the very end. Her family is beyond broken-hearted and deeply wounded, but in time those wounds will heal. Memories of how truly great Rainbow was will act as a catalyst for healing, and as an example on how to truly live life. Lorraine has left some very big gardening clogs to fill, but fortunately she has given us all the tools and know-how to continue her legacy.
At her request, a celebration of life will be held with family and friends during the summer of 2021 at her home on Savary Island. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grannies for Grannies, a wonderful organization close to Rainbow's heart, can be made at https://grandmotherscampaign.org/.
May the gardens in the sky be perfectly tended to by our precious Rainbow.



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