Published in The Lake Report, June 25, 2026, page 26.
July 26, 1937 – Jan. 14, 2026
Loved by so many and respected by all, Lorraine Genevieve Stapleton passed away on Jan. 14, 2026, in Scarborough, Ont., while residing at Seven Oaks Long Term Care. She was 88 years old.
Lorraine was the devoted wife of the late Dennis Martin Stapleton, and a loving mother to Vanessa Stapleton-Schlesiger and the late Roxanne Stapleton. Lorraine was predeceased by her beloved son-in-law, Wolfgang Peter Schlesiger.
Lorraine is survived by her brother Gerald Dan Powlik, nieces Laura Anne Gatz, Karen Leslie Powlik, and Sandra Elizabeth Powlik of Langley, B.C., and stepbrother Clayton Woitas (Linda) of Calgary, Alta. Lorraine was predeceased by her brother Roger John Powlik, nephew James John Powlik, stepbrother, Terry Woitas, all of Calgary, Alta., and her sister-in-law, Lynne Powlik of Langley, B.C.
Lorraine was a cherished sister-in-law to Edie McBean, Robert McBean (Lita), Douglas MacBean (Eve), Marilyn Jones, Helen MacBean (Jim), and Joseph MacBean. She was predeceased by brothers-in-law Russell McBean and Russell Jones, and sister-in-law Tracey Tung.
Born in Thorsby, Alta., to Ukrainian parents, John and Anne Powlik (née Radowitz), Lorraine grew up in a small, close-knit community. She fondly remembered her father’s newly built movie theatre, her family cottage on Pigeon Lake, the lifelong friendships formed during her school years, and gatherings where she played the piano, accompanying her father on the violin.
At just 17 years old, Lorraine lost her mother unexpectedly. In the face of profound grief, she stepped forward to help support her father and care for her younger siblings. Her selflessness and sense of responsibility during those formative years became hallmarks of the woman she would become.
Lorraine studied nursing in Edmonton, Alta., before discovering her true vocational calling in dental nursing. She served on the executive of the Alberta Dental Nurses’ and Assistants Association, and in 1960, was the president of the Edmonton Dental Society. Years later, Lorraine’s natural leadership and strong commitment to service continued, working as a dental health educator and as a dental assistant with the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville District Health Unit.
In 1963, Lorraine married Dennis in Vancouver and settled in the seaside town of Beach Grove, Delta, B.C. Together they built a life filled with adventure, travel, resilience, and love while raising their family in British Columbia, Quebec and finally, Carleton Place, Ont.
In 1989, Lorraine and Dennis began a life overseas, living in India and Greece. Time abroad was a gift, broadening their perspectives and bringing with it lifelong friendships and treasured memories.
Upon returning to Canada, they settled in Niagara-on-the-Lake and operated Lorden House Bed and Breakfast for 21 years, welcoming guests from all over the world. Lorraine was an active volunteer, supporter of the Shaw Festival Theatre, a member of the Red Hat Society and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Community was very important to her.
Family was at the heart of Lorraine’s life. Her husband and two daughters were the centre of her world. The love she held for them was a constant source of strength, purpose, unwavering devotion and happiness. The loss of her daughter Roxanne was a sorrow she carried with quiet courage, while continuing to surround those she loved with care and support. She warmly embraced her son-in-law, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren, treasuring the bonds they built together over the years.
A natural connector, Lorraine had a rare gift for making people feel seen, remembered, and valued. Through phone calls, handwritten letters and cards, she maintained lasting friendships and deep family connections. Relationships mattered to Lorraine — and she nurtured them with care, loyalty, and generosity. She was a thoughtful listener and a devoted friend. Her kindness and positive outlook left a lasting impression on all those she met.
Lorraine found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending her garden, wearing one of her many hats, taking daily walks, and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays. Nothing pleased her more than gathering with family and friends over coffee, and a plate of good-quality cheese and crackers. Lorraine loved to laugh, and to bring others joy. On occasion, she’d slip into a Ukrainian accent — invariably bringing smiles and laughter.
In her final years, Lorraine faced significant health challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease, with courage, grace, and remarkable determination. Although her health gradually declined, Lorraine continued to approach each day with dignity, strength, and an enduring spirit.
Special thanks to the nurses, personal support workers, and staff at Seven Oaks Long Term Care. The family extends sincere gratitude to her devoted caregivers — Peighton, Lynne, Violet, Hazel, and Amy — whose kindness, friendship and steadfast support enriched Lorraine’s life and helped her remain engaged in mind, body and spirit until the very end.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. An interment and celebration of life will follow the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, Lorraine would have appreciated a simple act of beauty: plant a flower in your garden and water it often.
Memories, photos and words of condolences may be shared at Aftercare under Tributes (www.aftercare.org).
Donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region (alzheimer.ca/durham/en), Here 4 Hope (here4hope.ca) or the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) (von.ca/en/donation-form).
May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who knew and loved her.
