It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Lorraine Mary Jurgilas (née Burke) on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the age of 89, following a lengthy and challenging course of Alzheimer’s. Beloved wife of Antanas (predeceased). Loving mother of Kurt (predeceased), Sandra Thompson (Michael), Anthony (Wendy) and Kimberly. Cherished grandmother of Courtney and Whitney Thompson. Born in Sudbury, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Louise (Clements) Burke. Dear sister of George, Bob, Irene, Frank (all predeceased) and Billy. Special aunt to countless others. Lorraine was renowned for her sharp wit and rapid-fire sense of humour, but it was her prowess in the kitchen that will long be remembered. Since childhood, Lorraine’s life was replete with health episodes that brought her perilously close to the brink on several occasions, however, her tenacity prevailed as she often exclaimed, “I’m not ready to go, yet!” We can’t be certain if she was finally ready, but we do hope she has found peace. The family extends sincerest thanks to the compassionate and professional staff at Pioneer Manor. Lorraine was interred at Civic Memorial Cemetery on Friday, March 9, 2018 beside our father.
For Mummy…
I tried putting into words my emotions, not just what I’ve experienced since your passing but since the day you left us almost two years ago. I came across this poem that puts my feelings into words…
She’s leaving me, little by little, I wish she wouldn’t go.
I will be there as long as she needs me. How do I let her know?
I’d like to hold on to the memories, I’d also like to share.
But she’s further away, getting further away every day. And yet, she’s always there.
It’s a long good-bye, and yet I believe that she can sense us.
So much time between now and then, when it’s time against us.
There are times she almost seems like herself.
Sometimes it’s just a phase. A part of the person I once knew,
and sometimes just a trace.
It’s a long good-bye and still I don’t know just what to say.
There’s so much time between now and then,
because she goes away, a long good-bye.
Tell me how do all the others do it? There’s so much time between now and then.
How do we get through it? It’s a long good-bye.
I’m grateful we got a chance to look into each other’s eyes one last time I didn’t want you to feel that you were all alone. There was a glimmer where I knew you saw me, knew me, and were telling me in your own way that it was time to say a final goodbye.
I love you mummy and think of you always.
March 15, 2018
We’ll miss you Granny. Love you always.
March 14, 2018
Our sincere sympathy to Tony, Kimberly, Sandra and family. Auntie Lorraine always kept us entertained. Even at our last visit with her at the nursing home she still possessed her sense of humour despite being ill. I have many fond memories of her visits with my Mom. Always with some delicious treat in hand. Please stay strong in the midst of your grief, comforting one another with the knowledge that your Mother and Grandmother is now asleep and at peace.
With loving concern,
Jacques & Doreen
March 14, 2018
Dear Sandra and family please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Loving memories of the past will always comfort you. What a beautiful photo, her smile and wit will always be remembered. Take care my friend Loretta xxoo
March 14, 2018