January 7, 1931 - December 15, 2024
Our dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Lorraine Pauline Fontaine Olson aged 93, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at Points West Living care home in Stettler. She was born January 7, 1931, in Edmonton to Jean-Marie and Rosanna (Boutin) Fontaine. She was the third child of their four children: Rose-Marie (Olivier) Heroux, Camille (Pearl) Fontaine and Guy (Aileen) Fontaine. Lorraine grew up in St. Paul, Alberta and the family later moved to Edmonton in 1945.
After graduating from high school, Lorraine worked one year for a bank before starting her nursing program at Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton. Lorraine decided she wanted to be a nurse when she was 10 years old, and her dream came true when she graduated in May 1953. She started her nursing career at the Charles Camseil hospital in Edmonton. Later, she moved to Ottawa to nurse at the Ottawa General Hospital to live closer to her sister, Rose-Marie and brother-inlaw, Olivier in Aylmer, Quebec.
Lorraine later moved to Drumheller to work at the Drumheller Hospital to live closer to her future husband, Francis Olson. Lorraine and Francis were married on February 2, 1955, in Edmonton at St. Joachim’s Catholic church. Lorraine and Francis raised their seven children Joseph Mark (Suzanne), Rose-Marie (deceased), Duane (Ann), Joanne (Dale), Paul, Michelle and Pauline (Dennis). on the family farm, which was homesteaded by her father-in-law, Axel Olson in 1908.
Lorraine worked hard to raise her family while assisting Francis on the farm. Lorraine was a wonderful seamstress, mastered delicious home-cooked meals and desserts, as well as caring for her children and keeping an immaculate home. Lorraine loved playing bridge and belonged to two bridge leagues. She organized the mixed marathon bridge club. Lorraine tirelessly supported her children with all their activities; hockey, ballet, figure skating, music lessons, 4-H club events, swimming, volleyball and scouts.
Lorraine was very active in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where she served as President of the Catholic Women’s League, sang in the choir and was a member of the church welcoming committee.
After Lorraine and Francis retired from the farm in 1991, they moved to Mirror where Lorraine enjoyed living and working in their CN train lodge. Next, they moved to Red Deer where they made many friends and enjoyed many social activities. During their retirement, Lorraine and Francis enjoyed traveling, primarily to visit their children in South America, United States and Alberta. They lived in Red Deer until they moved back to Drumheller to be closer to the farm and their children and grandchildren. Eventually, declining health forced them to move to Stettler to live in assisted living. Lorraine lived in Stettler until her passing.
Lorraine was full of life and was always very welcoming of family, friends and strangers. She never hesitated inviting people to her home and sharing a meal. Lorraine was proud of her French-Canadian heritage and spoke French fluently, which she learned as a child growing up in a French speaking household. Lorraine always made friends wherever she went and had the unique ability to speak fluently in both French and English.
Lorraine was pre-deceased by her husband Francis, daughter Rose-Marie, granddaughter Maria, greatgrandson Ace and is survived by her brother Guy, six children; Joseph Mark, Duane, Joanne, Paul, Michelle, Pauline, nine grandchildren; Reid, Dean, Sarah, Oscar, Jessica, Stefanie, Erik, Dylan, Robert and eight great grandchildren;, Nerea, Belen, Annika, Emma, Axel, Aiden, Addison, and Sloane.
Lorraine’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. du Toit, and all the stad at PWL and fellow residents who made her life enjoyable. Lorraine received excellent, loving, kind and compassionate care from all the stad. Lorraine was treated like family, and she considered PWL her home.
A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church located at 151 3 St W, Drumheller. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. A reception and lunch will follow the service at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall. Lorraine will be laid to rest at the Munson cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation to the recreation program of any care home or to the CWL.
