1953-2025
Growing up, Lorraine had the gift of music. She could hear a tune and play it back without music. She would play the piano for hours. Humming and swaying as she played. She played with her whole body. The music clearly swept her away. The same on the harp, guitar, and recently, the fiddle. This was a bond she found with Maurice “Bear” Legere, her partner many years ago. They lived a homestead life and traveled New Brunswick as they lived in a horse and wagon, even through the winter, cooking on a small stove. They earned their keep by entertaining in schools and halls along their journey. Eventually, they worked at Kings Landing. Their music genre was old, traditional Irish music. Bear sang, played fiddle, guitar and penny whistle, while Lorraine played harp. Lorraine helped to raise Bears two lovely daughters, Carol and Bretannie, who she still dearly loves.
Like most people, when she entered adulthood, she pursued interests like hair styling, interior design and real estate. Thos endeavors led her to her true passion, which was in the kitchen. It is rare to find someone who can bake as well as they can cook, but Lorraine was one of those people. In the 45 years or so she worked in the kitchens across our wonderful country, her passion never waned, it only grew. She was constantly keeping her eye on the trends in cooking, baking, tastes and presentation. She didn’t just keep an eye out though, she implemented and made the trends her own!
Lorraine had a passion for all animals, but especially cats. It didn’t matter whose cat it was, whether it was a friend’s cat, or a stray on the street. She always looked into its eyes, how they walked, the things they stopped to sniff or paw, and she could tell you all about the cat. It was like she could determine its personality, so she would build stores around what the cat was headed off to do, or, perhaps, what its aspirations as a cat were. The situations she posed for the life of these cats were so funny she would make herself laugh, as well as anyone within ear shot of the story.
Lorraine had an infectious laugh that carried far and wide. To hear her laugh, you knew the world around her was alright. Most of all, Lorraine valued relationships. She understood that the core of being human was the ties we have to one another. She would often be the first to reach out to another person. She had a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and she held them all close. She emanated a feeling of openness and acceptance which helped to make others feel at ease. She could find levity in almost any situation – the bright side so to speak.
Lorraine’s life was inspiring. She managed to spend her entire life on her own terms. She didn’t end up locked in a job for decades that she didn’t like. If her life circumstances where no longer working for her, she made a change, never fearing she was making a mistake, but always believing she had something more suited to her coming next. Wherever she lives, she made it comfortable, beautiful and made it home!
Lorraine has taken her leave from us in physical form, while at the top of her game, but in our hearts, she remains. Her voice, her laugh, her views of the world, the music she made, the food she prepared, and her enduring friendships, are all gifts that she has passed our way. Lorraine truly made the world a better place and for those she touched; better people.
Rest in peace, dear Lorraine. You have done great work.
She was predeceased by her parents Nelson Cloutier and Marjorie (Trager) Cloutier. Aunts, Sara, Connie and Margaret.
Lorraine is survived by one aunt, Bernice. Her brother Paul Cloutier (Ditte) and his daughters Alexis, Julia Schellenberg (Ben) and children Margaret and Arthur. Her sister Jennifer Zyla, who lovingly wrote this obituary, (Brian) and their adult children Melissa Sommers (Ben) and Trevor Zyla (Maria Cianflone). Her cousins Carla Mahony, Gary Holford, Kurtis Galbraith (Marilyn), Cheryl Decary (Jean), Cheryl Berry (Doug) and Sheila Van Sluytman (Alfred), and many others I fail to know. Forgive me for any errors and omissions. Her husband, Dan, sister-in-law Joan Sewell and her daughters Michelle (Jason) and Aralee, sons-in-law, Scott (Milan) and our only adorable grandson Roman and Andrew Scott. Cousin David Hessie (Donna) and their adult children Darcie and Stephanie. Cousins Sis and Gail. Again, forgive me for any omissions. Lorraine’s special friends Keli, Emily, Selina, Jenn, Nicole, Michelle, Melinda and Mary Ann. Our musical friends, Wayne, Megan, Jamie, McWayne, Sammy and Gloria. Our Seasons by the Sea Restaurant Family and our special friends Karen Bartlett (Hughie) and Brad and Kimmy Wood.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. George Animal Shelter or to the Charlotte County SPCA would be greatly appreciated. In lieu of a service please accept this lengthy obituary. I hope we all keep Lorraine in our hearts forever, Amen.
Our thanks to the caring staff at the Charlotte County Hospital, Saint John Regional Hospital and to Mr. Fred Brennan and staff at St. George Funeral Home.
www.stgeorgefh.ca