Born January 1, 1924 in North Bay, Ontario, Lorna Elaine Torppa, nee Buchanan, 91 years old, passed away peacefully in her home at Roseview Manor on the evening of February 21, 2015. Lorna loved life, her family and music and had a constitution second to none. She challenged Alzheimer’s disease for almost 15 years, gracefully and proud. The last 8 years of her life were spent with her loving family at Roseview Manor on the Champlain Family Area.
Lorna married Eric Torppa in 1952 and together they raised two daughters here in Thunder Bay.
Lorna is survived by her daughters Louise Backman (Bronson McWhirter) and Sandy Williams (Martin); grandchildren Jason Backman (Kerri), Lisa Backman (Shari), Eric Williams and Leanne Williams; great grandchildren Brendan and Emma Backman, Quinn and Robin DeCaire; nieces Ann Yallop (George) and Mary Ullett (Barry); nephews Tom Armstrong and Jeff Sales. She was predeceased by her husband Eric in 2005; her parents John and Mable Buchanan; brothers Gerry Buchanan (Alice) and Jack Buchanan; sisters Gerneth Armstrong (Stewart) and Aloha Buchanan.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Roseview Manor for the extraordinary care and compassion shown to Mom over the years; you were her extended family and words cannot express how grateful we are. She loved you all.
A private Graveside Service, led by Rev. Harold Hunt, will be held on Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 at Riverside Cemetery where we will be reuniting Mom with our Dad whose final words were “Til we meet again”. You are at peace now Mom and we’ll always be playing your song. As expressions of sympathy, donations in Lorna’s honour to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
