Obituary for
Lorraine Obnoski
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Obnoski on January 23, 2021 at the age of 88 years. Lorraine was born in Edmonton in April 1932, growing up in the Great Depression. She walked her brother and sister 2 miles to school every day. She lived in a tiny house with her family with no power or running water. She married at a young age, had 5 children in 10 years. After her husband left, she was determined to give her kids the best life possible, so she went back to school. As a single mom in the 1960’s, she went to NAIT for post-secondary education, graduating 3rd in her class of 99. She went on to a career with the provincial government. Quickly, she became head of the Small Claims Court in Edmonton and truly cherished her time there. She loved coming home and telling us stories about this judge or that and what she thought were interesting situations. Her leadership skills were amazing. She cared for all of her employees and stood up for them, treating them all like family.
Her dad, Michael Landgraf came to live with her and her kids, to help, while she worked. She took a chance and bought a house in Glengarry to raise her kids in a better neighbourhood. She kept her other house and rented it out. Finding that being a landlord was easy, she took another chance and bought a townhouse, with no money down. She did that a number of times. When she had enough money saved, she built an apartment in 1978 on her original property. She visited the apartment and her tenants often. She told us that if you had bad tenants, that was your fault. She loved being a landlord but at the age of 78, had to give this up, as Parkinson’s was affecting her.
Lorraine remarried in 1976. The newly married couple bought a brand new 5-bedroom house, where they lived with her five children. Lawrence was a farmer who moved to Edmonton and got a job with the engineering department with the City of Edmonton. He was really good at fixing things, often correcting the Engineers with his practical advice. He passed away in 2000.
Lorraine loved going to Bingo on Friday nights with Darlene and Mitch. When COVID-19 stopped that, she really missed the Bingo Hall.
Lorraine had a number of medical issues the last few years of her life. Her daughter, Darlene spent a lot of time with her, tending to her needs. Over the last 4 years of her life, many aides also come to visit her. She loved hearing stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always gave them “Squeeze Hugs”. They now do the same for their children. Education was really important, so she helped her grandchildren go to school. What a legacy!
Lorraine is survived by her five children, Bonnie (John), Eric (Dianne), Terry (Carmen), Kim (Lyn) and Darlene (Mitch); eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (soon to be seven). Predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Obnoski.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Service will be held. The service will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30 through Lorraine’s Book of Memories at www.parkmemorial.com. Interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Alberta, #102, 5636 Burbank Crescent SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 1Z6.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lorraine
Obnoski 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta