Lorraine Mildred Dumanski, 80, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away suddenly on April 12, 2024, when she succumbed to a medical event, doing what she loved: taking her beloved dog, Maggie, on a nightly walk. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened.
Lorraine was born on August 29, 1943, in Hamilton, Ontario. She grew up in a traditional Ukrainian family, with parents Mary and Leo Dubej. Lorraine was one of two children, with her younger brother passing away as a young child. She moved to Sault Ste. Marie and worked full-time as a Registered Practical Nurse at the Plummer & General Hospitals, until retirement in her 60th year.
Lorraine married Randolph Dumanski in 1967 and became the loving and dedicated mother to her two children, Kelly Massa and Bryan Dumanski. Although she was married to Randy for 15 years, their friendship continued for the remainder of her lifetime. Lorraine was an exemplary mother and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in the care for her children, grandchildren and her mother in the later stages of life.
She is also survived by her son-in-law John David Massa and daughter-in-law Grace Tridico. Her grandchildren Matthew Massa, Nicholas Massa, Michael Dumanski and Paul Dumanski will hold dear to their hearts all the memories and lessons Grandma taught them. Grandma always stressed the importance of a good education, and that life is tough so stand tall; nothing worthwhile will come easy. Lorraine was very proud of the young men they are becoming.
She will be fondly remembered and missed by her partner of 15 years, George Patrie, whom she met through her daughter-in-law. Together, George and Lorraine created many wonderful friendships and memories while camping and fishing at Trolling Lake. She was the best fishing partner George ever had. She always caught more fish than George but was gracious enough to let him clean them all. Many winter nights were enjoyed by the fire with George and Maggie, cheering on her favorite hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Lorraine’s best friends Madeleine McKinnon and Esther Dulisse, who predeceased her, loved and supported her deeply. Lorraine is survived by her best friend Denise Scobie (husband Dale), both of whom always checked on her and spent many happy times by the bon-fire at Pointe Louise, where she lived. Thank you to the Scobie family for ‘adopting’ mom as your own. Your concern and help will always be remembered and appreciated.
Lorraine was a tireless worker, both in her career and in her personal life. She could always be counted on to help and support family or friends in need. She never let the potential of inconvenience stop her from helping someone, asking for nothing in return. She was not one to ask for help unless it was absolutely necessary. To the very end, she would be described as a very strong and fiercely independent woman.
Throughout her life, Lorraine’s driving force was to nurture and protect her family with her unwavering dedication to their wellbeing. She took on extra part-time work while working full time to help her children through university, and consistently sent home-baked care packages to them. She never missed a birthday or the opportunity to give words of encouragement (or admonishment) if she saw they were needed.
Lorraine was nicknamed “BIG LOR” often to tease her about her petite stature and feisty personality. If Lorraine was on your case, you knew her concern was legitimate because she wanted only the best for everyone. If you ever felt the uneasy, speechless moment of silence after she asked you one of her ‘stare you down’ questions, then you got a glimpse of her directness and impatience for excuses. She did not put on airs or pretend things were fine if they weren’t. Lorraine lived a life of simple means and scrupulously took care of her possessions. Her homemade cabbage rolls and Paskha bread will be missed and her daughter and daughter-in-law will be left to attempt to replicate her recipes.
Mom, Grandma, partner and friend, you truly taught us that love and time together is precious and finite respectively. More precious than anything. You made a positive mark on this world and on all of our lives. Thank you for the lessons. Thank you for your unwavering love. We are all better people because of you.
Friends and family are invited to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church
(293 St. George's Avenue East in Sault Ste. Marie) for a visitation on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 pm, with Father Hayes officiating. Lorraine’s family invites you to a social gathering with light refreshments after the service, in the church hall.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.