It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lorna Wilson (née Reid), who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 89.
She is survived by her four children: Cindy Larocque, Roxanne Meek (Geordie), Michael Wilson (Wendy) and Kelly Wilson (Jenny).
She is also survived by her eleven precious grandchildren, who she loved so much: Jeff Meek (Nadia), Megan Clinton (Jared), Chelsey Larocque (Matt), Kyle Larocque, Amara Taylor (Mike), Isabel Apleman (Colin), Asher Wilson, Annaliese Wilson, Chase Wilson, Victoria Wilson and Vincent Wilson. Also, four great grandchildren: Trinity Vandenberg, Noah Vandenberg, Norah Clinton and Natalie Taylor.
She is also survived by her sister, Lynda Jones (Tom), many nieces and nephews and so many special friends, especially her oldest and dearest friends Joyce Wartig, Mae Bayly and Darlene Thompson.
Lorna was predeceased by her husband Hughie Wilson, her mother and father Margery and Ernie Reid, brother Ronald Reid, brother-in-law Alexander (Sandy) Wilson and sister-in-law Betty Wachowicz. She was also predeceased by her longtime partner Ed Gowsell.
Mom was born at Kenora General Hospital on September 4, 1936. She graduated from Kenora Keewatin High School in 1954. She married Hughie Wilson on September 28, 1957, and they were happily married for 29 years until Hughie passed away suddenly in 1986.
Lorna was employed by Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company for four years, leaving to raise her family in 1958. She went back to work at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in 1968 and worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1995.
Mom travelled to BC to start a new life, but after a few years found home and family in Kenora was where she belonged. Meeting her partner Ed Gowsell in 2000, they spent 20 years together traveling and spending time at Trout Lake where she made many lifelong friends especially Debbie Wingrove.
Mom loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends, enjoyed curling and of course shopping and going to the casino. She was an avid reader and knitter and made the best perogies.
Mom resided in Benedickson Court for over 20 years and lived there happily until March 30 of this year. Thanks to all of the Supportive Housing girls who took such good care of her there.
We would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at the LWDH who cared for mom over the past three weeks in the hospital. A special thanks to Charlene Melillo, the Palliative Care and Chronic Illness Nurse, and Dr. Wylie. Their compassion and empathy will always be remembered.
A funeral to celebrate mom’s life will be held at a later date in the summer, when all of her family and friends can attend.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Lake of the Woods District Hospital or The Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Mother
Her love remains in all we do,
A guiding thread both soft and true.
Though she may have left our earthly sight,
She lives within our hearts’ deep light.
