On December 6, 2024, Our Heavenly Father decided it was time to welcome the beautiful soul of Lorraine Hilda Leveque (nee Welbourne) to his arms. While we are devastated by this loss, we find solace knowing that Lorraine will be joining those who went before her, including the love of her life, Tom Leveque, her parents Harry and Albina Welbourne, her brother Robert (Bob) Welbourne, her sisters-in-law Gale and Madge Welbourne and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also predeceased by Tom’s brothers and sisters and their spouses, whom she loved dearly.
Left to mourn Lorraine’s passing and remember her fondly, are two brothers, Lorne and Earl Welbourne (Angie), sisters-in-law, Roberta Welbourne and Carmel Leveque and her loving children and spouses - Terri-Lynn and Kirk Beauchamp, Kevin and Lex Leveque, Michael Leveque and Lisa Vescio, Karen Leveque, and Michelle and Matt McGrath. Lorraine leaves behind nine beautiful grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart, and who returned that great love – Kirk (Jr) and Mya Beauchamp, Hannah, Ryan and Emily Leveque, Teddy Leveque, and Thomas, Sarah and Jacob McGrath. Lorraine also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who cherished her love and whom she thought of often.
Lorraine was born to Harry and Bena (nee Fraser) Welbourne in Schreiber on January 30, 1939, the little sister to Earl and Bob, and soon to be big sister to Lorne. While she left Schreiber at the early age of 18 to attend school at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Thunder Bay, her heart always remained in the small Lake Superior town. While working in Wawa in the early 60’s she met a handsome forester, Tom Leveque, who stole her heart. In August of 1963, they were married, which began a life of moving to and from many small towns across Ontario, including White River, Hornepayne, Gooderham, and Barry’s Bay, until landing in Thunder Bay in 1975, with 4.5 kids in tow. In each town, Lorraine and Tom established many friendships which carried on today. Lorraine leaves behind some special friends from these early years, including Mike and Fran Barker, Ray and Sonja Riley, Florence MacArthur, Marlene Ryan, Pat Mealey, and so many others we cannot begin to name.
All who knew Lorraine loved and cherished her. She welcomed everyone she met into her heart. She was steadfast in her faith, an active parishioner at Holy Family Church for nearly 50 years, a lifelong member of the CWL and a volunteer within the community.
Lorraine lived an active and purposeful life, which included curling, tending to the hobby farm on Pole Line Road, camping, gardening, picking berries, playing cards, and baking (her buns will be missed!) to name a few. She passed on this active lifestyle to her children and her grandchildren who all reflect a part of her in some way. One special love that she has passed on to her children and grandchildren, is her longtime family camp on Lake Superior on Hydro Bay. Lorraine loved to sit on the porch swing, watching the moon rise above the shore, the stars in the night sky, listening to the waves lap on the rocks while reminiscing of days gone by. Lorraine had a love for music and learned to play the piano at a young age. As an adult, she was known to entertain at parties or little tea rooms, by dusting off the ivories and playing a few of her favorites. In her later years, after the kids were grown and gone and she had retired from more than 30 years of working as a nurse, she began to travel the world and visited so many places. She also had a love of talking on the phone to her many friends and family. Anyone who talked to her frequently knew it might take a while to get past the busy signal when dialing her number. She loved to talk and hear about what was going on in the lives of her friends and family, to offer an ear of support, a bit of advice or to offer her help. She also had a regular routine of kanasta and rummoli with many dear friends that she always looked forward to.
Lorraine’s good nature, warm hugs, positive support and offers of prayer will be dearly missed, but we know she will be in the arms of God, watching us from above.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the new year. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Place or Shelter House would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.
Love always and forever.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
