It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lori Longlade after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the age of 74 years. Lori was the loving wife of Bill Longlade of Penetanguishine and Sturgeon Falls, a dedicated mother of Michelle (Pierre), Dan (Andrea) and Charles (Sandra) and a doting grandmother to Jesse, Danielle, Marcella-Andrée, Alex and Lauren. She will be remembered by her many friends and family as a most remarkable individual - a generous person with a fierce love of life and a deep faith. An avid gardener, she was happiest when puttering in her flowers or reading the latest organic gardening catalogue. She also loved the cottage in Georgian Bay and spent many hours playing with the grandchildren on the beach.
Lori moved to Sturgeon in 1964 when her husband Bill was hired as a secondary school teacher. Lori having just graduated from university of Toronto in Physical and Occupational Therapy wanted to work in her field. Lori founded the first department at l'hopital St. Jean de Brebeuf, now West Nipissing General Hospital. Over the years, the small space grew to a full service rehabilitation department.
Lori was a change agent and her contributions to the community have been innumerable. She received one of the highest recognition bestowed on citizens. As the recipient of the lieutenant governors award, she was recognized for the countless hours of volunteer service she gave so freely. Lori worked to improve the world around her. As a Special Education Advisory committee member, with the Near North School Board and le conseil scolaire Franco-Nord, Lori advocated for students with special needs challenged by the system. She also worked tirelessly to have an integrated daycare for all children regardless of abilities. When the recreational complex was built, Lori helped ensure that the facility was accessible to people with disabilities. She was ahead of her time, and we were fortunate to have known and loved her.
The family will receive friends at Theoret Bourgeois Funeral Home, Sturgeon Falls, Tuesday, December 30, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11 am in Ste Thérèse d’Avila Church, Cache Bay. Then to rest at the Penetanguishene Funeral Home, Friday, January 2, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated at Eglise Ste Croix, Lafontaine, Saturday, January 3, 2015 (time to be confirmed). Burial to follow in the Parish Cemetery, Lafontaine.
The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care given to Lori by Dr. Behamdouni, Dr. Bourgault, and the nursing staff at the West Nipissing General Hospital as well as the staff at the Community Care Access Centre.
Donations can be made to the West Nipissing General Hospital foundation. (cheques only).