LAUREL HELENE ORMISTON (RANFORD)

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LAUREL HELENE ORMISTON (nee RANFORD) With family by her side, Laurel Helene Ormiston passed away at Pinecrest Home for the Aged on Friday, February 23, 2018. Born in Markinch, Saskatchewan on September 16, 1925, Laurel never lost her love for the prairies but felt she lived in the most beautiful place in the world - Kenora on Lake of the Woods, Canada. Laurel attended Normal School in Regina and began a teaching career at age 16 in Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg and eventually Kenora. With a love for learning, she attained her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education. An industrious and tireless lady, Laurel also owned and operated Ormiston Lodge in Pine Portage Bay with her family in the 1960s and 1970s while continuing to teach full time. Each student Laurel taught was special to her and she never forgot their names or where she taught them. Laurel was well known for her exceptional music abilities. She enjoyed sharing her love of music and natural talent as a pianist at Knox United Church, the annual Guys and Gals shows and accompanying her grandchildren at many of their musical performances. She maintained her touch on the keyboard throughout life, entertaining the residents of Pinecrest at several of their social events. In her 'spare' time she enjoyed bridge, knitting, quilting, reading, emailing family and friends and watching her beloved Blue Jays. She regularly attended her grandchildren's activities and enjoyed enthusiastically cheering for them and their teammates. Nana, as she was lovingly known, found her greatest enjoyment being with family. She imparted grace, love, service and humility to all. Nana is survived by her son Bruce (Marleen Wong), his children, Tom (Kristen) and their children, Sam and Charlie; Jill (Jon) Faber and their children, Jonah, Annika and Declan; Karen (Tyler) Edwards and their children, Harrison, Emma and Phoebe. Nana is also survived by her daughter Cheryl (Bill) Gow and their daughter Ali (Dorian Lunny). Predeceasing Nana was her husband Malcolm Ormiston, her parents, Albert and Laurel Ranford, sisters, Ruth and Margaret, and daughter-in-law Fran Ormiston. A celebration of Laurel's life was held Friday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Knox United Church, Kenora. If people so desire, a contribution in Laurel's memory to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 03, 2018