Obituary of Lorraine Annie Gosse

The “eagle” returned mid-afternoon Boxing day to fly the spirit of Lorraine Gosse off to the “horizon”; same as back in mid-March 2006 when his “awesome load” was her husband Bill. Her songs had been sung, loaves baked and balls of wool knitted. She was ninety-seven, (28 July 1924).

Lorraine was born in Bishop’s Cove to Jim and Dora Smith. Although a promising student she headed out for the coast of Labrador to look out to her dad and his fishing crew. At nineteen she married and moved to Spaniard’s Bay. By the time she moved to St. John’s in 1965 there were five children. There in addition to maintaining a household she had a career as a licensed practical nurse. Upon their retirement Lorraine and Bill moved back around the bay to South River and from there facing health challenges, to Corner Brook. Her last decade was spent in the bungalows on Wheelers Road. All along the way she impressed all she encountered with her strength. Lifelong she was as relentless as a Labrador fisherman with the fish running; at work before daylight until past lamplight. Selflessly on task.

Lorraine was called upon to mourn many times, tragically for son Jim, 23 and granddaughter Jane, 11. Along the way husband Bill; daughter Elaine; sisters Cavell, Marjorie and Winnie; brothers; Edwin, Jimmy, Don, Gerald, Alf and Winston and in a long life, many relatives and friends. Mourning her are daughter, Barb and sons Ted and Roger; grandchildren, Jill, Jim Brendan, Clara Jane, Will and Sam; great grandchildren Luke and Kate; sister Norma; friend Pauline; Rex, Ken, Janet, Aubrey and Carrie; numerous nieces and nephews and their children, and friends from where she has been, including new ones in Corner Brook.

The family would like to thank every person what has held Lorraine dear and in any way helped her along the paths she trod.

There will be a celebration of life in Spaniard’s Bay come summer.

Expressions of sympathy can be directed to Fillatre’s Corner Brook and donations in her memory to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Spaniard’s Bay.