Peacefully on May 29, 2022 Lorna was called home to be with her Saviour. She is lovingly survived by her children, Robert, Lindsay, and Craig and predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Murray McKnight. Auntie Lorna will also be greatly missed by her younger brother, Mitchell Oakes, sister-in-law Margaret Oakes (Reid), and nieces, Jennifer, Melanie, Allison and Rebecca, their husbands and children.

 

The first child of parents Violet and Mitchell Oakes, Lorna grew up in Norwood, and while attending high school, worked on the Eaton's Junior Council, where she met Murray. She excelled in her studies and earned a Bachelors Degree in Science from the University of Manitoba, studying biology and zoology. In 1965, she and Murray married and raised three children, and three beloved dogs, Muffin, Riley and Koda. Lorna was also a doting auntie to her nieces and enjoyed spending time with them and later with their children, even reading stories to them over Skype during the pandemic.

 

Lorna was a stay-at-home mom and caring for her family was her joy; she was “the best Mommy in the world” and was there for every school concert, play, birthday and graduation – nothing made Lorna happier than being with her family. She never missed a party and loved to entertain; Lorna was an amazing cook and baker, and one of her favourite things was sharing these gifts with others.

 

Family was extremely important to Lorna, and she delighted in regular Sunday dinners and holidays with her family, her brother and sister-in-law and their girls, which were filled with lively conversation, laughter and sometimes an after-dinner show... On one occasion, Lorna burst into the room to offer up a rendition of “Five Foot Two”. Lorna loved to have fun – which often included teasing her younger brother!

 

Lorna treasured her friendships – some of which endured for over five decades. She enjoyed regular walks (and coffee breaks!) with friends and could easily be on the phone with them for hours at a time.

 

Though life brought its share of challenges, Lorna found strength and peace in her faith in Jesus Christ and was forever grateful for His abounding love and faithfulness to her family. At Trinity Baptist Church, she made many good friends; she also delighted in heading up the Hospitality Committee (naturally!) for several years.

 

Robert, Lindsay and Craig extend their loving thanks to the Oakes family for their love and support during this difficult time. They also thank the caring doctors and nurses at the St. Boniface, Victoria and Grace Hospitals, as well as the Home Care nurses for their wonderful care of Lorna.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 549 Gertrude Ave, on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00am.

 

Lorna’s family family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.