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LORENA MCMANUS (MARY)
Born: May 06, 1960
Date of Passing: May 27, 2021
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LORENA MCMANUS
May 6, 1960 - May 27, 2021
Thank you to the Palliative Care and MAID Teams. Special thanks to family physician Dr. Ian Maharaj for the exceptional care and compassion he showed Lorena over many years. She approached her death with resolution and good humour, offering support to everyone who participated.
She is survived by her siblings, Bruce (Maureen), Rhea (Paul), Terry; and beloved nieces, Mala and Elyse, Brie (Zach) and Karla (Dieter); Brie and Karla's mother Kathy St. George; grandnieces, Madeline and Oonagh; and grandnephew Finley.
Her nieces and nephews and their children brought her great joy. Mourning her are many aunts and uncles and cousins with whom she maintained an affectionate relationship.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Eileen and John McManus; and her partner Terry Van Norman who she loved completely. The Van Norman family embraced her as a member of the family and were important in her life.
Lorena was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and moved to Winnipeg with her family as a child. She graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1984. She went on to have a distinguished career in health care. She worked as a senior administrator at VON and the Winnipeg Regional Health. She was very proud to serve as Program Director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Palliative Care Program in 1999.
She had many caring and supportive friends and she thanked them in her last conversations.
A memorial service is planned for the future.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to a children's charity of your choice.
Arrangements through Alterna Cremation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2021
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF A FINE, FUNNY & CARING PERSON We first met 26 years ago, when Lorena became our neighbour in Tuxedo. At that time she had just undergone surgery & chemo & was most unwell however, during her convalescence, we would see her taking little walks along the path, a tiny whisp of a thing without much hair. She gradually became stronger & was able to return to her work which she loved. We shared many thoughts on life & love & favourite TV shows, "Boston Legal" & James Spader, our fave & rather swoon worthy to us! We'd go to movies or shopping or out for a coffee or a bite to eat & we always enjoyed ourselves, lots of laughter to be had! After 11 years in Winnipeg, we moved back home to Australia but kept in touch by phone & email. Throughout all the time we knew her, she fought many health battles courageously, suffering incredible discomfort & further surgeries & yet, through it all she would still laugh & joke & always be a stalwart friend. We miss you darling Lorena, but we respect your decision & I suspect you are reclining somewhere on a sofa eating Bonbons & sipping Champagne. (I'd like to think so). To all your Family & friends, we offer our deepest sympathy. So until we meet again, 'May God hold you in the palm of His hands' Much love from your friends in Australia, Michelle & Edward Myers Taylor - Posted by: MICHELLE MYERS-TAYLOR (FRIENDS) on: Aug 16, 2021
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I had the honor of knowing Lorena for a brief moment in time. In that short time was in awe of her strength in character. A special beautiful soul that I am grateful for crossing my path. May you rest in peace Lorena and hope you are still enjoying chocolate brownies. - Posted by: Larissa Webster (acquaintance) on: Jul 29, 2021
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Lorena was an incredible person. She was selfless throughout all of her struggles. Lorena helped me through my mom's passing in 2019, and the grief that followed. I will miss hearing her voice and wish we talked one last time. May you rest well beautiful lady. 🦋 - Posted by: Lori morawecki (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2021
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I was very sorry to hear of Lorena’s passing. I’m sure she will be missed and I hope all the good memories keep her close always. Although I hadn’t seen Lorena in many years, one thing immediately comes to mind. She was Rhea’s big sister and we all looked up to her and she always looked out for her little sister and friends. Rhea and Lorena could have some good sisterly scraps but it always turned out that she just wanted what was best for her sister. That memory sticks with me after almost 40 years and I hope the memories of her many other good character traits help your family through this difficult time. - Posted by: Brenda Olson (Taylor) (Friend of Rhea’s) on: Jun 11, 2021
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Bruce, Rhea and family - I am so sad to hear of Lorena’s passing. We lost touch after I moved from Winnipeg In the mid 80s and recently reconnected via facebook and had a great visit a couple years ago reminiscing about our friendship and youth. She was such a special person. Keeping you in my thoughts. - Posted by: Kathy McNabb (Bjarnason) (Friend ) on: Jun 07, 2021
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I only knew Lorena as a child and we reconnected on FB a short while ago. We had planned a coffee date for the next time I visited the 'Peg. Unfortunately that won't happen... 😭 I wanted to pick her brain about my Uncle Terry. The world has lost a special soul. Gone but never forgotten. She's still smiling down on all of us from heaven. 👼 🙏 Cheers to you Lorena, may you R.I.P. you beauty. 🍻 I've made a contribution to the Ronald McDonald House in her honour. - Posted by: Robyn Van Norman (Family friend) on: Jun 06, 2021
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RIP Lorena. It was a pleasure to work with you over the years we knew each other. I always admired your positive attitude and good work ethic. Thank you for your clinical and leadership contribution to our health care system in Winnipeg. You will be missed. - Posted by: Réal Cloutier (Former Employer) on: Jun 05, 2021