Obituary

It is with great sadness that the Ouellette family announces the passing of Lorna Ouellette, originally of Lancashire, England and more recently a resident of San Clemente, CA. She left us on April 7, 2013 at the age of 87 years. Lorna, like her recently deceased husband Robert (Ro), was a member of the “Greatest Generation,” and a WWII Veteran. At age 17, she enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, which was of vital importance during the Battle of Britain. During the War, she was stationed at Topcliffe Air Force Base in Yorkshire, England, where she met and married Ro, who was serving in the Royal Canadian Army & Air Force. A few years after the War ended, Lorna and their first child Lorna Joan, sailed from England on the Queen Mary rejoining her husband in Canada. It was in Canada that their son Robert was born.

In 1952 Lorna and her husband moved their young, growing family from Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Southern California, where their 3rd child Kim was born. Lorna who, prior to the War, had been a member of England’s Olympic swimming team, was instrumental in forming the first competitive swim team for girls in the Long Beach area. She fostered her ever-present competitive spirit and integrity in each of her three children. Lorna dearly loved her family, most especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for her love of sailing, flowers, hummingbirds, car racing, dancing and practical jokes. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, sense of humor and kind heart.

At the time of her passing, Lorna was surrounded by her loving family and is survived by her three children Lorna, Bob & Kim, six grandchildren: Wendy, Justin, Brady, Erin, Heather & Brittany. She leaves four great-grandchildren: Bryndan, Evan, Guillermo & Madison Lynn, and also her daughter-in-law Judi & sons-in-law John Sorich and Devin Sanders.

We extend our sincere, enduring gratitude to the Doctors and ICU Nursing Staff of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente for the incredible care and kindness extended to our Mother & family.