The story
Our beautiful wife and mother Lorna Teresa died in the first minutes of this Good Friday, Mar30th, 2018.
We were all with her - singing, praying, comforting her as she peacefully took her last breath.
In the days preceding, she enveloped each and every one of us with her radiant love. We feel blessed by this extraordinary woman who has been there for us throughout our lives.
We will miss her terribly but are consoled in knowing that she is surely in a better place.
Mass 1:30pm on Friday, April 6th at St. Patrick’s Basilica, 220 Kent Street, Ottawa, followed by a Celebration of Lorna's life in the lower hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorna's name to the Canadian Cancer Society or Foster Parents Plan.
Memory wall
21 tributes have been left in memory of Lorna Albuquerque.
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Thank you Iris for your words ("I loved her so much! I'm so sorry for your loss!) and the photo you sent. We have known each other over a lifetime and shared so many vacations and celebrations together - some of them quite sad. Comtys and the Albuquerques timeless friendship. xoxo
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Lorna’s Eulogy (1937-2018) Given at her funeral April 6, 2018 St. Patrick's Basilica Thank you to all of you from my father David Albuquerque, my brother Patrick, my sisters Cheryl and Lisa and their partners Kishor and Zbigniew and to my family Dorian and Siobhan. We are grateful that you are here to share in this special service for our mother Lorna Albuquerque, to honor her life and to celebrate together. As a family we have been spending a lot of time together in these last few weeks as mum’s time on this earth drew to a close. Talking, reminiscing, sharing stories. And knowing all the while that this was exactly what she would want. She would likely say: “okay - it’s okay to cry if you want to or need to --- do - but also rejoice in what you have, think of the people you have in your life, be grateful for every minute”. She might pause and then say, “sometimes I just think about life like this and about just how lucky I am - how fortunate we all are - and to be in Canada!” Lorna grew up in Ireland - #6 of 7 kids - it was still during the time of unrest in Ireland and a challenging time to find work. Kids were encouraged to get trades and jobs and that often took them away from home at a young age. It was tough at times although she chose to remember the good. Lorna always wanted to be a nurse and ended up in Manchester for her training - the very place where she was to meet and then marry her husband David - the young surgeon. They fell in love and a bond was woven held strongly by their faith despite the times and their upbringings. Coming to Canada was not a direct affair but a rather circuitous route taking them to various stops in the UK, India and back again before settling in Canada. Without extended family - our parents had to depend on each other and build a life for their family. And they did just that - they worked together and gave us children all the experiences - ice skating, curling, corn roasts and horseback riding, swimming, badminton, tennis and much more. They built a life full of friends some that have spanned the entire time that they have been in Canada. Mum was an exceedingly strong woman, an important role model to us over the years. She was there for us - each and every one of us - and there for us in the way we needed. And she ran the house - cooked, cleaned, dealt out the chores, typed reports for a couple of her kids who were always finishing things at the last minute, she knit sweaters, made skating outfits, drove us everywhere, braided countless heads of hair - she could do that in her sleep! These are things to be thankful for but this misses something --- it misses that this was her legacy - her family was her legacy. These were her gifts to us always given, seldom needing until that became necessary later. Mum had a special presence about her - you noticed her when she came into a room - a kind of life force that people were drawn to this. Naturally on the shy side this was balanced nicely by a completely mischievous side. She loved to laugh and tell stories and had such a way with words. The poem on the card you received has Woodsworth’s daffodils - a poem she was happy to recite over her life time having loved and memorized it in her youth. It has a touch of the wonder of things, of how beauty is worth it although fleeting - these are things that Lorna deeply understood. The birth of Siobhan, her grandchild was special for both of our parents and the bond that Amma formed with Siobhan was unbreakable - it was delightful to see them in action - to watch mum play, sing and love her ‘sausage pudding’. Mum opened our eyes and palates in life and for that we are all so grateful. And this was all in the service of connecting with others - something that she was so very good at, so easy for her to tune in to another person and listen to their story - shutting out all else for the moment. This is when she shone and I think received such pleasure in life. Something as a family we recently witnessed as our mother rallied in her last days to spend a day with us - smiling, talking, laughing, reaching out to touch our foreheads as a blessing, but also a touch of such tenderness and such love. It is hard to say good bye to this woman. Really hard It is by far --- better to picture her on the next part of her journey. Face alight, head and nose turned up, back straight and looking ahead with a smile of anticipation. We love you and we will always cherish you in our hearts.
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from Randy Joyce of Winnipeg: I remember meeting your Mum for the first time. You took me to lunch at an Indian restaurant on Ellice. As we walked in you were surprised to hear laughter you recognized. It was your Mum and a friend. You introduced us and your Mum was so happy to meet me. Like someone she had been waiting to meet for some time. We laughed and jabbered on like old friends. It was this way every time we met. She took the time to remember things about me. That was nice. Her happy face, warm heart, sparkling eyes, and laughter ( sometimes mischievous ) is what I'll remember.
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Dear David, Joy, Patrick, Lisa, Cheryl & family, I am so sorry to hear of Lorna's passing. I have added a picture of your beautiful wife & mother at my sister Anna's wedding at the Rideau Club in Ottawa. My parent's house, across the street in the Glebe was overflowing with relatives, so Lorna very kindly offered her guest room to me. We had a wonderful time both at the wedding, and the day before at Anna's Hen Party, on a sunny summer afternoon at the Ritz Cafe on the canal. Lorna was a special person who could light up any room she entered, our family will miss her. Lots of love, Fiona & family
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Amma, we loved that you made us feel human. The center of attention. A big part of our family. We shall miss sitting in your lap, playing with you and making you the center of our world. We shall never forget how you made us feel. Your love bunnies, Finn & Lola"
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Message from Nettie (and John) Crossley -long term friends of Lorna and David. We first met in 1959 when John and David worked together at the Jewish Hospital, Manchester. Lorna and Nettie became best friends -both of them chatty celts (Irish and Welsh). They spent many happy day trips together -driving to Chester with Lorna heavily pregnant "No problem with two doctors in the car"...Lorna gave birth to Patrick 48 hours later. Not much spare cash between them Lorna and Nettie would walk with their prams to Love Lane, share a pot of tea and a cake. Lorna -an excellent cook would call "Just made a fabulous curry -too much for David -come on over...." John would be out of the door before the phone call had ended. Lorna and David moved to Canada -us to South Wales. Would we meet again? You bet! Lorna came to our daughter Janet's wedding in 1988 and again to Juliet's in 2000 where Lorna entertained our new Norwegian in-laws. In 1990 we visited Canada for Lorna's Thanksgiving supper in Winnipeg-a trip to Banff and a round of golf. In 1998 we met in Sydney for a non stop catch up lunch at the Opera House. We kept in touch -occasional phone calls and a Christmas Card every year -full of family events and stories. Lorna was so proud of her granddaughter, children and of David. Her last card to us said the following "God bless you and the family and do send me some photographs". Lorna is my happy, caring, generous, life-long friend -such joyful memories will never fade. Nettie Crossley
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I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed - and gazed - but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. - WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
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Sending much love to David, Lisa, Joy, Cheryl, Patrick and all the extensions, from the entire McKenzie clan - Lorna was truly one of a kind, a wonderful, fabulous force to be reckoned with!!! And when she and mom got together, double the force!!! Fate brought Mom and Lorna together in Brandon in the 70’s as nurses and they became instant soul sisters, bringing our two families together in a friendship that spanned decades and many miles. Lorna had that unstoppable joie de vivre, an infectious sense of adventure AND mischief(!), a beautiful kind heart, and a deep soulful faith in the world. We all LOVED her!! She was a gift and a giver, her energy will live on and her memory treasured in our hearts. We are with you, across the miles and will say a prayer on Friday……. Much love, Johanne and Barry et al - Norma, and John (they will be having a good laugh together), Laurel, Karen, Patti and Gord xxoo
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Fun times!
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Lorna taught me how to look well beyond her illness. And learn how to love, care and communicate with her in ways I had never imagined before. Playfully. I loved being around her. Being silly. Light hearted. Always. I have many rich memories of my time with her. Memories I will draw upon to keep her alive in my thoughts, my heart for years to come. Love, Kishore
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From a dear family friend - a friendship that started when we moved to Canada in 1969!! Thank you Jan for your lovely memories .... "My sympathy to your Dad and all the family. I am not sure of the year you moved to Rapid City but we have kept in touch for over 40 years. I have been thinking about our friendship all day and want to share a few of my memories. I was the station agent and I remember a delivery of an appliance or something to the new doctor in town. From there we progressed to social events and sharing school activities. I remember Sunday suppers with 8 well behaved kids in the house. From there we went to suppers with your family in Brandon and then we all ended up in Winnipeg. I remember getting a call from Lorna at Christmas asking if she could bring an additional guest to supper. You had acquired a new puppy and of course the puppy was welcome. Lorna and I met for supper near Polo Park one night after work and closed out the place at 11. We were honored to be invited to supper to meet Lorna's brother when he came for a visit. A week-end was enjoyed at our cottage. The boat ride was almost a disaster as Lorna jumped up at the sight of a frog in the boat. Suppers seemed to be our thing and we enjoyed a lovely meal together in the Victoria condo. My last contact was a chance encounter and hug at the entrance of a store in Winnipeg. The move had been made to Ottawa and Lorna was in Winnipeg for a visit. We were both in a hurry that day. I am thankful we kept in touch at Christmas all these years. Lorna was a special person in my life. I am sorry she had such a struggle at the end but that is over now and we will have our memories. Thanks for letting me share mine. Jan"
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My dear David, Just heard from Joy's communication that dear Lorna passed away on Good Friday morning and that all the family was with her. My heartfelt condolences to you, Patrick, Joy, Cheryl and Lisa and their families. All of you have surrounded her with love ever since she was admitted to the Home - praise the Lord! You will feel the loss of Lorna most deeply, David. I will offer a Mass for dear Lorna that she may now enjoy the fullness of life and love in God's presence, and will continue praying for you and all the family. In sorrow and with love Yours affectionately Father Rex St. Joseph's College Tiruchirapalli Tamil Nadu
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from Esmond Pereira in Sydney, Australia: Dear David, I was surprised and saddened to learn of the untimely passing away of your dear wife and soulmate Lorna. She was indeed a loveable person,always cheerful, witty and an ideal ,caring wife to you and mother of your children. I realise how grief stricken you will be after sharing 57 years of happy married life with her. However she is now free from the travails of her earthly life and is enjoying eternal bliss with her Creator.My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your children and pray that the Almighty will comfort all of you in sustaining your grief and grievous loss. Bye for now, Love and Best Wishes, Esmond.
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from Sheila Albuquerque in Geneva: Dearest David, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Lorna's passing away. Charmaine, Stefanie, Paul and Denise join me in sending you, Patrick, Joy, Cheryl and Lisa our deepest sympathies in your bereavement. Your loss is our loss too as both our families have spent much time together in past and present times. I cannot forget that you both were there to console me when Bassy passed away. May Lorna's dear soul rest in peace. I will offer a Mass for the repose of her soul. I am with you in spirit, dear David, in these sorrowful moments. I pray that God will console you in your grief and give you the courage to face this difficult time. Thinking to you, Patrick, Joy, Cheryl and Lisa, Yours in sympathy, Sheila
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Message from dear friends Des and Kathy Kadambi (and family) To David ,Joy, Patrick ,Cheryl ,Lisa and all your members. Des and I send our deepest condolences to you all upon the passing of your Mother ,Lorna . Your whole family were very special to us when we arrived from the UK . I will be forever grateful to Lorna and David for helping us adjust to life on the Canadian Prairies in the 1970's . So many memories come to mind when I think of her . Firstly , Lorna was a beautiful human being , both inside and out . She was kind ,thoughtful, considerate, a good listener, a quick wit , great cook and hostess --the "life and soul "of many a Brandon party and just plain fun to be with . It was always a delight to be in her company whether it was reading Irish Poetry together or her 'trying ' to teach me how to cook Indian dishes or even improving my Badminton skills at the Brandon YMCA and Tennis at the Golf and Country club. I watched her be a great wife and mother and hoped I'd be just the same as my children came along . We got along so well because we had a lot in common and she understood how I missed my Parents and school age siblings back home. I really missed her when the family moved to Winnipeg only to have her move to Ottawa when we moved to Winnipeg. What I missed most, was the soft Irish accent and that unforgettable smile . Rest in Peace Lorna . God bless you all . Kathy and Des Kadambi.
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