WHITE
Lorna Geraldine, born 1934 in Colfax Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in her eightieth year on April 3, 2014 at Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Lorna was a scholar, an outstanding teacher, athlete, outdoor enthusiast, gardener and the "best Grandmother in the world". She struggled with a number of major blood diseases over the past several years, and fiercely fought until the bitter end. Lorna will be missed by her best friend and husband Ranald, of 56 years along with their children Cathy and Larry, Ranald Jr., Gail and Dean McKay, and Duncan and Melinda. Granny will also be dearly missed by her Grandchildren, Cale and Lachlan (Cathy and Larry), Joshua, Ryan, Natasha, Jared (Ranald), Holly, Christina, Jacob, Melody (Gail and Dean), and Ethan and Emily (Duncan and Melinda). Great-Granny will also be missed by her six Great-Grandchildren, Lucia, Joshua, Emma, Lincoln, Andrew and Kadance. Lorna is also survived by her dear sister Janet VanOppen and brother-in-law Dirk VanOppen. Lorna taught at Western Canada High School, Mount Royal College, and the University of Calgary. She is best remembered for teaching human anatomy at the Physical Education Faculty of Kinesiology, having been awarded two student- selected Teacher Excellence awards. Since her retirement in 1997, and after moving to Sylvan Lake, Alberta, she continued to receive contact from students and colleagues alike. Many recall her incredible passion for teaching and her special ability to build relationships with others. She was an active member of Parkdale United Church in Calgary from the 1970's, and later the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sylvan Lake until her passing. She became involved in both choirs, showing her love of music through song. She will be warmly remembered for bringing communities of people together, often welcoming and entertaining large groups of family and friends at home in Calgary, and later at her home on the shores of Sylvan Lake. Her family was very important to her along with many dear friends. She loved to hike in the mountains, kayak, play tennis and basketball, and later in life took up curling with the Sylvan Lake curling club. One of her greatest joys was working in her garden, creating special spaces for her children and telling stories. She loved to talk with all the people with whom she became involved. The family would like to express their gratitude to all care givers as well as the staff of the Red Deer General Hospital. The service will take place at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sylvan Lake, AB. on Wednesday April 9, at 2 pm.