Lorraine Rose Zahara

Lorraine Zahara

1941-2020

Mrs. Lorraine Rose Zahara was born on October 12th, 1951 to Sam and Jennie Zahara. One of Lorraine’s biggest passions was playing ball when she was younger. As time went on, Lorraine became heavily involved with the Athabasca Legion Branch #103, playing darts and shuffleboard regularly, winning various zone and provincial titles. She also spent time volunteering and supporting various Legion events. If she wasn’t at work or at the Legion you’d find her playing bingo or at a local Cribb tournament. Lorraine was Athabasca’s most well-known waitresses working at many popular restaurants including the Golden Grill, Kwan’s, Union Hotel, and the Burger Bar. Lorraine eventually started working at the Athabasca Extendicare in the kitchen where she spent the last several years. She loved working with the staff and residents at Extendicare and was avidly called “The Potato Lady.”

Work was a big part of Lorraine’s life and she rarely took sick time until earlier this year when she was taken to the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton on February 10th. Unfortunately, she never returned to work or to live in her own home. After a long and courageous battle with cancer and surviving a major stroke, Lorraine passed away on October 10th at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre, 2 days before her 69th Birthday. Lorraine was comforted by daily visits from her family members right up until her passing.

Thank you to Bernice, Lawrence, Tom, Gloria, and Brenda for their regular visits and ensuring mom was well taken care of throughout her battle with cancer. Also thank you to her hospital roommate Alice who stayed with Lorraine over the last number of months. We appreciate the unbelievable care, kindness, and professionalism that she received from Dr. Ryan Shaub and the nursing staff at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre.

Lorraine is survived by her son Kevin (Kristie) Zahara of Edson, Mother Jennie Zahara, Sister Bernice Christenson, Brothers Lawrence (Gloria) Zahara & Tom (Brenda) Zahara all of Athabasca. She is pre-deceased by her father Sam Zahara and brother Raymond Zahara. She has one grand-daughter Keira Gomuwka of Edson.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small family gathering with close friends was held at the Richmond Park Cemetery on Friday, October 16th at 11 am.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #103 in Athabasca or any local Legion Branch of your choice.

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