Lorraine Anne (née Gallagher) Viala

October 11, 2022
In loving memory ~
Lorraine, aged 71, passed peacefully on October 11, 2022, in Nanaimo, BC, with the comfort of her husband and family by her side. Born to Jack (John) and Doris Gallagher in Ladysmith, BC, Lorraine was the oldest sister to siblings Randy, Dawn, and Kathy.
In 1970, Lorraine fell in love with Rob in college, and they married in 1971 and settled into life in Nanaimo and later moved back to Ladysmith, BC. They raised their children, Stephen, Carey, and Jamie, and welcomed beloved grandchildren Tavia, Rayne, Cael, Kendra, Sam, Eloise, and Rebecca.
Lorraine went to Nanaimo Vocational School and started her career as a legal secretary. She then moved onto supporting different teams with Vancouver Island Health Authority. Her team members were some of her biggest fans of her chocolate truffles at Christmas time. She was an active member on the Davis Road School Liaison Committee and was a La Leche League leader in Nanaimo, holding meetings in her living room with breastfeeding moms. For some time, she was the area counselor, where other leaders would come to her for advice on difficult cases.
Lorraine was passionate about gardening, cooking, and baking. Each year, she would proudly show her family and friends her beautiful hanging basket creations. Lorraine was known for her Nanaimo Bars, cut glass, cookies, quiches, and family dinners.
She loved bringing family together and passed on her love of cooking and baking to her children. Her grandchildren loved to bake Christmas cookies and decorate Easter eggs with grandma.
Lorraine was also an avid reader and learner and was called on for random knowledge - even supporting family during trivia nights before Google. She also loved connecting with fellow readers with shared interests.
She and Rob enjoyed travelling, visiting England, Alaska, Cuba, Hawaii, and Panama.After they retired, they bought an RV and travelled across Canada and camped dozens of times across beautiful BC.
Lorraine will be remembered by those near and far. Lorraine's family thanks the dedication of Dr. Booth and staff at the Kidney Care Clinic in Nanaimo, and the whole team in Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care to her and the family.
A Memorial Tea for Lorraine will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Cedar Community Hall (2388 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC) from 1:30-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lorraine's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary.