Lorraine Rae (nee Bjarnason) 


May 31, 1928 to April 6, 2024 


Mom passed peacefully on her own terms (as she lived her life) at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC, surrounded by family, at the age of 95.


Remembered with love she will be deeply missed by her 4 children, Mike (Judy), Andrea, Kevin (Judy), Jennifer, former daughter-in-law Stacey (Wayne), 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren: Brandon (Cheri and Thorn), A.J. (Olivia and Isla and Avery), Kaylan (Tara, Leif and Anastasia), Kjartan (Megan), Carmen (Brian and Mason, Jackson, Harrison and Oliver), Derek (Rhonda), Tyler (Brittany, Kash (his mom Kayla) Sarah and Claire), Eric (Kirby), Steven, Senah, Cory, Mark (Mara and Mya), and extended family and friends. 


Predeceased by her husband Dr. Don Rae (1998), her parents Kjartan and Kathleen Bjarnason, brother Ken Bjarnason, Randy Blanchard (son-in-law) and grandson Conor Rae. 


She enjoyed her early life growing up in Brandon, MB, sharing the activities of her large Icelandic extended Bjarnason family. Following Normal School in Winnipeg, MB, she taught for six years, while Dad completed Medical School. A move to Portage la Prairie ensued with Dad commencing work in Family Practice at Prairie Medical Associates. Mom supported Dad's activities locally, nationally, and internationally. 


Always a "planner" and "project" person, Mom immersed herself in various community activities. Hers was an active and generous spirit who lived her life honouring her commitments, valuing artistry and craftsmanship. Her life exemplified contribution to community, friends, and family. 

She was a successful businesswoman, consummate hostess and visual artist who created beautiful pottery and floats for the Santa Claus parades. She was one of the founding members of the Portage Arts Centre and later, the Herman Prior Centre for seniors. 


Following their move to Victoria in 1995 and following Dad's passing in 1998, mom continued to live independently. She enjoyed nothing more than a great book, a game of bridge, entertaining, friends, cooking, and a good debate (along with a well chilled Manhattan). Mom spent hours lovingly hand stitching custom needlepoint Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and great grandchildren over the last 44 years. She managed to complete the last 3, in late 2023, in time for Christmas. She also kept in touch with her grandchildren, never forgetting a birthday! 


In her own words "Now goodbye, I am away to the next existence." Mom lived by her philosophy be kind to one another. She requested that we all perform a random act of kindness in her memory and name. 
 
There will be no service as per mom's wishes. A celebration of her life took place in her presence (heartwrenching but beautiful) just prior to her passing. Several poems were read, and songs were played, all of which she had selected. The celebration culminated with Frank Sinatra's "I Did It My Way". So true of mom's character. 

Donations may be made to a Charity of one's choice.

First Memorial of Victoria, B.C. was in care of arrangements.