Lorraine E. Riva

Lorraine Enid Riva (Cormier), born March 23, 1926 passed away peacefully on June 13, 2011 in Kelowna, B.C., predeceased by one year by Walter, her husband and soul mate of 68 years.

Lorraine was raised in Canmore, Alberta, youngest of 7 children. Active in tennis, skating and track, she was recipient of the Governor General's award for the highest marks in the Calgary Division Inspectorate in 1941. Lorraine married Walter Riva in 1942, and when he joined the air force, by 1946 was single handedly raising the couples 1st 3 children, moving to Edmonton at the end of the war for Walter to attend University. In 1949 they settled back in Canmore to raise a family that became six.

After living 45 years in Canmore, there were homes in Calgary, Fernie, Vancouver, Parksville and Kelowna. While unequalled as a "homemaker", her talents and contributions went far beyond the home and family. She was actively involved in many community groups and projects, including the Sacred Heart Parish and choir, CWL, Canmore Tennis and Golf Clubs, Girl Guides, bowling and community sports. As Walter's career expanded, she was equally comfortable hosting foreign dignitaries and CWL baking fundraisers. Never one to seek the spotlight, she was council to many in the community, and truly was the strong, quiet partner supporting Walter's success.

Lorraine became an accomplished golfer, winning club championships in Canmore and Fernie and was also President of the Canmore, Fernie and Point Grey Ladies Clubs (Vancouver). In all cases, she was a strong advocate for females in the sport. On Vancouver Island, she was on the provincial course rating committee and also used her extensive creativity and dry sense of humour to make golf rules seminars entertaining.

Lorraine is survived by children LeeEllen Svoboda (Jim), Patrick (Nancy), Donald (Merle), Susan Lewis (Darrell), Michael (Rhonda), Raymond (Leslie) as well as sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Lorraine is also survived by siblings Yvonne Raitz of Canmore and Edmond Cormier (Gloria) of Penticton and was predeceased by brother Ernie Cormier, and sisters Helen Irwin, Jeanne Marra and Germaine Tonkin.

Lorraine, Mom & Nana's quiet support, strong values, sense of humour, kindness and unconditional love as friend, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt & God Mother were always directed to help others have the best opportunity to succeed, making our world a better place.

A memorial mass followed by a reception will be held at Our Lady of the Rockies Parish in Canmore on July 22 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation, Suite 210, 1095 West Pender St, Vancouver, V6E 2M6 www.parf@telus.net.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.