Lortie, Wilma C

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wilma Claire Lortie (née Gibbons), peacefully at the age of 96 years in Cornwall, Ontario. Wilma was called to take her place in the heavenly choir on January 17, 2017. Wilma had been a resident of Glen-Stor-Dun Lodge for several years. Born in Toronto in 1920, Wilma was an active church member all her life and maintained a keen interest in Christian missionary and youth work, especially through her involvement with Canadian Girls in Training as a camp director during the 1960’s. She was deeply involved with various Baptist Convention mission groups in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic region. As a professionally trained soprano soloist, Wilma had a passion for singing and music, participating in everything from Gilbert and Sullivan musical productions to a myriad of lead roles as a soloist and choir member at churches throughout eastern Canada. Wilma’s clear voice soared over all others in the congregation wherever she attended a church service. Wilma was a member of the first graduating class of the Women’s Leadership Training Course of McMaster University. She was employed for many years in secretarial work for various organizations, school and businesses, ending her service in this field at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Wilma had a lifelong love of reading which began during her high school years while working as a student at the Toronto Public Library. She enjoyed camping throughout her life, both as a youth camper at Lake Mazinaw and later with her family in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. She also enjoyed embroidery and furniture refinishing as ongoing hobbies. Her main focus was always her devotion to her husband and best friend Guy, her sons and their families, and to her friends from coast to coast. Wilma was predeceased by her father William and mother Maude. Wilma is survived by her husband of 66 years Guy Richard, her sons William (Ginette) And David (Beth), her seven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St. E., Brockville, has been entrusted with her arrangements. There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life in the chapel at McConnell Manor, 801 Fourth St. E. in Cornwall, Ontario on Saturday, January 28th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall District, 106 B Second St. W., Cornwall, Ontario, K6J 1G5 will be greatly appreciated by the family. Share a special memory of Wilma online at www.irvinememorial.com http://www.irvinememorial.com/