Lorraine Riddell

Lorraine Riddell (née Boulet)

Peacefully at the Carman Memorial Hospital, Lorraine Riddell passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022 at the age of 88 years.

She was predeceased by her parents: Thomas and Julie (Daigle) Boulet, her brothers: Adrien (Gertie Gelinas), Oliva (Eldia DeLaronde), Félix, Roméo (Rose Champagne), Paul, her sisters: Adelphine “Dolly” (Bob Fisher), Mary (Fred Olan), Irene (Bob Cass), Cécile (Wilfred Raine), her first husband: Orlando (Butch), her second husband Ken Sanderson, her third husband Robert Riddell, and her son Léo.

She leaves to mourn her children: Donald (Gisèle Guilbert), Paul (Suzanne Fontaine), Simone (Robert Fradette), her daughter-in-law Karen Moret (Léo), and Roger (Lise Moret); and, her grand-children: Brigitte (Mark Tisdale), Maurice (Melody McKenzie), Richard (Sarah Karasiuk), Nadine (Wade Ryplanski), Serge, Stephanie (Scott Batista), Veronique; and, her great grand-children: Maddy, Ben, Adrian, Aria, Théo, Kiera and Cade along with many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as the extended Sanderson and Riddell families.

Lorraine was devoted to her family and she took great pride in her children's and grand-children's successes in either sports, performing arts, music or dance. Due to circumstances and health reasons she was not always able to attend their events but they were always in her thoughts. She married Orlando (Butch) Girouard on September 7, 1953 in Dunrea. Orlando succumbed to cancer on November 24th, 1986. Lorraine married Ken Sanderson in October 1989. Ken passed away in September 1990 as a result of a heart attack. Lorraine married Robert Riddell on March 1, 1996. Robert passed away on January 22, 2021.

Lorraine was born on January 22nd, 1934 in Dunrea, Manitoba. She was the daughter of Thomas and Julie (Daigle) Boulet. She received her education in Dunrea until 1952. She worked at the Lorne Cafe Somerset where she met Orlando Girouard. Her intention was to save money and take a steno course however love conquered all and she married Orlando on September 7th, 1953 at St Félix de Valois Roman Catholic Church in Dunrea, Manitoba.

Lorraine and Orlando lived in Somerset in a small home without waterworks except for Cistern water which was unfit for drinking. They had to obtain their drinking water, one pail at a time from a neighbouring well. They had no refrigerator until 1956. Prior to that, a dirt hole in the basement via steps served as their "cooling system". 

Lorraine and Orlando had their first child, Donald in 1954, followed by Paul in 1956. In 1957, they moved to a new home at 318 Main Street and with the help of Lorraine's father and brother Paul, extensive renovations were done which included kitchen cupboards, and a bathroom that included running water and a toilet! What joy and relief! In 1958, their daughter Simone was born and then two more sons, Léo in 1964 and in 1967 Roger completed the family.

The family enjoyed numerous camping and fishing trips throughout Canada and the USA. In 1982 they bought a cottage at Pelican Lake in Miami Beach where the children learned to water-ski. There were good memories at the cottage and around the campfire.

Besides being a mother and homemaker, Lorraine was actively involved in the community. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella from 1958 onwards, where she held offices of Recording Secretary, Monitor, Chancellor, Vice Regent, Regent and President of the Daughters of Isabella social committee. Then in 1985-88 she was State Regent and in 1988 was elected and served a 4-year term as International Director. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the local, regional and provincial South Central Association for the mentally and physically handicapped. From 1983-87 she helped develop the Residence & Project of Somerset Villa.

Lorraine was an organist at the Catholic Church in Somerset from 1960 to 1989. She was the Administrative Secretary at Somerset Collegiate from 1967 until 1989. She had good memories of the students from school and she was always happy to see them as adults, especially when they recognized her and commented that she hadn't changed a bit which put a smile on her face!

 Lorraine was also the founder and co-ordinator for the Mountain School Division Bilingual Music and Poetry Festival from 1962 until 1989. She was the Regional Director for A.M.A.F. from 1974-1981 and Recording Secretary for the A.M.A.F. from 1981 to 1988. She was a member and Director of the local Cultural Committee from 1978 to 1988. She also held the office of the Secretary Treasurer for the Somerset Recreation Commission from 1971 to 1972, then Secretary-Treasurer for the Manoir Somerset Manor from 1972-1979.

She was a member and Regional Director for the Société Franco-Manitobaine from 1983-1987.  She was also a member of the Somerset Centennial Committee. She was President and was actively involved in the organization of the Dunrea School reunion classes of 1941 to 1952 which was celebrated in conjunction with the Riverside Centennial in 1996. Lorraine also kept active by being a piano player for the Polka Dots which comprised of musicians from Darlingford, Manitou, and Morden. The Polka Dots were very popular and they were in demand to play in local communities and at the senior residences.

Lorraine continued to be active throughout her life and kept busy by doing arts and crafts, reading and completing crossword puzzles. She loved to travel with Robert via train across Canada to visit family and friends. 

The funeral mass will be celebrated in Somerset at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 4, at 2:00 p.m. with Father Paulin Akpapupu celebrating. Ash burial will follow at the Somerset Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank all health care staff with Home Care, Boundary Trails Hospital and Carman Memorial Hospital for the care and comfort provided to mom.  Mom was impressed with the exceptional care she received every day.  A special expression of thanks and gratitude is also extended to mom’s neighbours, Corinne and Marvin, and Wilfred and Deanna.  Your friendship meant a lot to mom and we thank you for your assistance and for being caring neighbours.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 204-248-2201.  To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca

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