September 5, 1938 – April 29, 2023
In loving memory ~
Gladys Lorraine Sundvall passed away on April 29, 2023, at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with family by her side.
Lorraine was born September 5, 1938, in Cranbrook, B.C. She was raised in Coal Creek and Fernie, B.C., then moved to Calgary to complete her schooling.
She took her nursing training at the Calgary General Hospital, graduating in 1959.
She left Calgary for France where she married her sweetheart Allen Sundvall in 1960. The couple moved frequently with job transfers. Move number seventeen was the final move to Nanaimo in 2000. As the wife of a military officer, she was sometimes on her own to deal with keeping the household going. Planning the next move, including packing up, dealing with real estate brokers, moving companies, and getting the new home in order was a challenge she managed when needed.
She was an exceptionally talented seamstress and enjoyed machine knitting and embroidery. Her family members were recipients of many wonderful pieces she had lovingly crafted.
After taking time off to raise her daughters, Lorraine returned to nursing in Ottawa, working as a palliative care nurse.
Predeceased by her parents Frank and Alice Johnstone and infant sister Joan.
Survived by husband, Allen; daughters Kathy Pelletier and Debbie Sundvall; grandchildren Alex, James, and Tamara Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 4235 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 3:30 p.m.
Burial will follow Saturday, May 6, 2023, in St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Fernie where she wanted to be close to her parents.
The family wants to thank the staff of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their kindness to Lorraine and their support to the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson’s Society of BC are welcome.