Linda Lorraine Larsen
February 21st, 2023
LARSEN, Linda “Lorraine”
July 29, 1949 – February 21, 2023
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wife and mother Lorraine Larsen (nee De La Mare) in the early morning of February 21, 2023. She was embraced by the love of her family.
Born in New Westminster, Lorraine was raised in Surrey BC. She grew up with her parents and siblings on a beautiful property in Colebrook that overlooked Mud Bay. She had fond memories of her childhood raising animals, growing vegetables, and playing with her cousins who lived on neighbouring properties.
Lorraine graduated from Princess Margaret Secondary in 1967 and studied Education at Simon Fraser University. She worked as a salesperson and gift wrapper for Woodward’s department store as she earned her degree. She was a devoted Woodward’s customer until they closed in 1993 – which her family lovingly teased her about.
Lorraine met Terry Larsen on a blind date in 1971, shortly before she was to leave on a 4-month South Pacific cruise. Their love story began in letters they wrote while she was away. Once Lorraine returned from her adventure, they didn’t leave one another’s side. They were married on February 5, 1972, for 51 years. They built a house in Surrey, BC where they raised 2 children Michelle (Sean) and Keith (Jolene) and doted on 3 grandchildren, Jacob, Brad, and Silvia. Nothing filled Lorraine with more pride than family and she was considered ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandma’ by many neighbours and friends of her children.
Lorraine loved to travel and spent many vacations and cruises in Alaska, Australia, Caribbean, Fiji, London, Mexico, Rome, and across Canada. Some of her fondest memories were times spent in the Cariboo camping above the Fraser River dancing to the music of her nephew and his band. She also enjoyed many summers at Pender Harbour on the water and playing games.
Lorraine was a vibrant woman who loved life. She was always laughing, happy and full of energy that knew no bounds. She had a wicked sense of humour. When she wasn’t helping others, she was cooking, gardening, playing games, or singing.
Lorraine was involved with and helped to organize large events for the BC Chefs Presidents Ball, Canadian Chef Educators and Semiahmoo Music Society. She was a Past Director of the People’s Law School. After her retirement she attended many Canadian Chef Educator and BC Culinary Arts Conferences with Terry.
As a beloved Teacher for 35 years (plus 10 years as a TTOC) in the Surrey School District, Lorraine had an impact on hundreds of children. Everywhere she travelled she ran into families of those she taught. Past students regularly reached out to let Lorraine know the influence she had on them and how much her kindness meant to them as children.
Lorraine is survived by her siblings Dianne King and Kelly De La Mare, brother-in-law Ray Winquist and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Wilf and Nelly De La Mare, sister Donna Grout and sister-law Sandi Winquist.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Northcrest Care Centre, Connect Langley and Laurel Place for the care and comfort they provided Mom over the past 6 years.
Lorraine loved to entertain and each year she and Terry hosted a Canada Day party for family and friends. A Celebration of her life is being planned for July 1, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lorraine Larsen can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or any foundation that benefits children.
Messages:
Mrs. Larsen, was the most amazing and magical teacher I ever had and was the best! The classroom was not my favourite place and I had learning struggles but she believed in me and was the first teacher I felt to truly care. Her classroom was fun and beautiful with decorations and organized and we did the best art projects! Halloween was my favourite and I can still see her in her amazing Snow White evil Queen costume. She put 1000% into everything she did and I wanted to try for her because for the first time she helped me find my confidence because of her kindness and contagious happy positive personality that lit up the whole room. I always thought about her and years later when I first started working at a school she really crossed my mind then low and behold she appeared as a TOC at my school and getting to have that reunion to tell her how much she impacted me was so special and she was still the same amazing magical teacher ❤️ Sending my condolences to her family and thank you for sharing her story here and to know surprise she was one extraordinary woman
On behalf of your friends at People's Law School, let me express our deepest sympathy at Lorraine's passing. Lorraine will be fondly remembered by her friends at People's as a lovely, spirited and intelligent woman who made a most valuable contribution to our organization and the British Columbians we serve. With our profound condolences,
Dear Terry and family. My condolences on your terribly sad loss. My wife Anne was in the room next door to Lorraine at Laurel Place in 2019, so Terry and I were fellow visitors. Lorraine's vibrant personality and sense of humour was obvious on occasions there, and we both wished that we had met her and Terry under different circumstances. Ian Short
Lorraine had a very generous nature and yes, a very wicked sense of humour. Our sympathy to Terry and family.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Mrs. Larsen was full of joy and love every time I saw her and she made all of her students feel so special. She inspired me to become a teacher when I was a little girl in Grade 3 and when I was in university she mentored me as I volunteered in her classroom. As I reflect now, I can see that so many things that I do in my classroom today remind me of her. Everyone has that special teacher that changed their world, she was mine. I am so sad to hear of her passing but I feel so incredibly fortunate to have called her my friend. Rest in peace Mrs. Larsen.
Sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved parent or wife leaves grief and pain. May you carry the memories of her with you and share her stories with others.
To Keith, Michelle and Terry (Mr. Larsen, as I would’ve always called) my parents and myself send our deepest condolences to you all. I will always remember many childhood experiences including peanut butter and banana sandwiches and making sure to say “when” otherwise my cup would spill over with whatever drink was being poured. There are many other fun memories I may not mention here but your Mom, your Wife always taught a respect and caring that we understood and appreciated then as well as now.
Our condolences to Terry, Michelle, Keith and your families on the loss of your wife and mother. I remember her vivacious, fun loving personality. I am certain you have many fond memories of her over the years. Keep this in your heart as you cherish her memory.
Our heartfelt sympathies to Terry and family on such a sad loss. Lorraine will always be fondly remembered for her shenanigans and her wicked sense of humour. Our annual gatherings were so much more lively because of her. We still laugh and smile at the antics and the duck. Lorraine’s kind heart and vibrant smile have certainly left lifelong imprints. Rest in peace lovely lady; until we meet again. Susanne & Rudy
Dear Terry and Family, Please accept my condolences for the loss of Lorraine. She was a beautiful friend and colleague to me during my time at Cindrich and such an inspiration for so many holding special memories for all who knew her. My heart goes out to you for your loss. Thinking of you, Vikki