Garvin, Lorraine (Tiki) Margaret
It is with the deepest sadness that the family of Lorraine Garvin announces her passing with her family at her side, Lorraine died on October 9, 2019.
Survived by her husband of 51 years Patrick Garvin, and her two children Lisa Garvin-Ritskes (Craig) and Reo Garvin (Beverley) Lorraine will forever be remembered as a dedicated and loving wife and mother. Her grandchildren, Chase and Paigton Ritskes, and Matthew and Emily Garvin, were blessed to have had their gramma close to them growing up, very involved in their lives and they each have a heart full of good times and memories to cherish of the time they had with their gramma. A native of Arnprior, ON, Lorraine was born in 1945 to the late Arthur (Archie) and Kathleen (Kitty) Schnob. Lorraine is predeceased by her brother Reo and her sisters Cathy Delorme and Sylvia McInnis (Ross). Lorraine is survived by her sisters Patricia Stewart (Neil) Evelyn Needham (Brian) and Carol Ryan, her sisters have broken hearts with Lorraine’s passing but are grateful she is now at peace.
Lorraine lived for over 50 years on the farm on Kitley Line 3, the original farmhouse, the rebuilt farmhouse and in the end at the bungalow across from the original house. She loved life in the country and no amount of prodding could get her to leave her privacy and solitude of her many acres. She had an incredible love and respect for the outdoors, animals and all wildlife. She was called upon many times during active farm life to be veterinarian, farmhand and labourer. Her love for things that grow was also a huge part of life. She loved plants and flowers and having her hands in the earth. She was incredibly knowledgeable about plants and what they needed to flourish. She found beauty in nature and was content when surrounded by it. She spent years pickling and making jam, all a real treat to the many recipients who she made gifts to. Her generosity was a part of who she was. Lorraine was a family historian for the Garvin and Schnob family, her family tree research is as impressive as it is extensive and it was a project she took great pride in. She loved jewelry and had an extensive collection of brooches, butterflies and dragonflies being her favourites.
Lorraine worked many years at Automatic Electric in Brockville where she formed lifelong friendships, and those friends still surviving were there for her over the last few months as they have been all through the years, something her family is deeply thankful for.
Lorraine loved to play cards. For years Euchre was her game but for many years now Bridge has been her passion. She belonged to several local Bridge Clubs and served on their boards and had become part of that community. Many of her bridge friends had become very close to her and her family would like to acknowledge those friendships and let those people know that those friendships were her strength at the end. Deep gratitude is extended for all these friends have done through this most difficult time. A very special mention to Sheena Talbot, a special and best friend to Lorraine for a very very long time, who was and is truly a blessing, for all the years she knew Lorraine and especially through her illness. Lorraine’s great love for her dear friend carried her through and kept her strong.
Lorraine was an incredible free spirit. She lived her life and shared her love on her own terms and her family will be forever thankful that she left this world the same way. She was strong and beautiful, smart and funny and had a unique and special personality that will not ever be forgotten. She never conformed, she stood her ground on what mattered to her and did things her own way, every time. She danced to her own music and hoed her own row. She was the strength behind her husband, the love behind her children and grandchildren and the smile or frown that held her family together. She will be missed for all her wonderful craziness, all her quirks and compulsions and especially for the warmth of her hugs and the reach of her love. Her family has been blessed with more support and friendship than they could have ever expected from the people around them, daily calls and messages, comfort and understanding... all things that cannot be communicated in appreciation with words. The greatest tribute to Lorraine is how the people in her life are being so wonderful to make sure her family, who are now grieving, know they have so many people to lean on and make sure they are doing ok.
Lorraine was quite adamant that she did not want a wake or a funeral service. She had a couple great mottos to live by. One was “if it’s not fun lets not do it” and the other was “if you didn’t come to see me when I’m alive I don’t want you to come when I’m dead.” Knowing this her family is respecting her wishes in this regard.
November 2, 2019, between 2-5 pm the family of Lorraine Garvin invite you to come to the Smiths Falls Legion to celebrate the life of Lorraine and enjoy some refreshments. From 6-10 pm, same day, same location, family and friends are invited to come play some euchre in honour and in memory of her. As much as Lorraine didn’t want any fuss due to her passing she never passed up a good game of cards. Donations in memory of Lorraine can be made to the Gerry Lowe Memorial, all proceeds of the euchre tournament will as go to this local charity. Contact Blair and Sons for donations information. Messages and condolences can be left at www.blairandson.com