With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Lorna Joan McRae on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Extendicare Kildonan, with her dear friend by her side, holding her hand and praying for her.

Lorna Joan McRae, known as Joan to family and friends, was born to Edith and Joseph McRae on September 7, 1931. Joan lived a very full life before she passed away. Joan would have been 95 in 22 days! 

Joan grew up in a loving family with her parents and two brothers, older brother Kenneth, and younger brother Gary, all of which have passed away. 

Joan graduated from Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate and then quickly began her career in the business world, first with the City of Winnipeg, and then with CN for 32 years, beginning on October 9,1956. At CN, Joan began as a secretary in the Transportation Department. Joan was always a very conscientious and hard worker, respected by all. 

Effective April 1, 1974, Joan was promoted to Office Assistant in Thunder Bay. This was a big undertaking for her as she had to leave Winnipeg and her family to strike out on her own. While in Thunder Bay, Joan enjoyed many visitors from Winnipeg, and she made many new friends. 

Effective June 1979, Joan was again promoted, this time to Office Supervisor, back in beautiful Winnipeg. 

Outside of work, Joan loved to travel. Her travel adventures took her overseas, many times, as well as, to Australia. Being a terrific photographer, she captured her experiences with many pictures and slides. Joan also enjoyed going to see slide travelogues at the Centennial Concert Hall. 

In addition, Joan also enjoyed singing in the choir at church, and she belonged to the Christian Women’s Group. 

Mart Summers is credited, after a long time, with helping Joan purchase her first car in 1961, a little green Volkswagen bug. It is reported that she had quite a time with the bug in the Winnipeg winters. After purchasing her first car, Joan took many trips and continued to enjoy travel, in a newer and larger vehicle, well into her later years. 

Joan officially retired on July 31, 1988, from her very successful career with CN. 

In retirement, Joan also loved to crochet and meet with friends. In 2017, with her health failing, she asked a long time friend, Gail Piper, my mom, to help her, as she knew she was failing. Gail accepted this request to help Joan, and assisted her with getting the proper and necessary care needed, for the last nine years. 

One True Friend

As I stop to count my blessings,

There is one thing that rings true,

I’ll always be so grateful,

For the friend I found in you!

Grateful for the special times,

We’ve shared throughout the years,

Times that brought us closer,

Through our laughter and our tears.

Grateful just to have someone,

As kind and good as you,

To share my finest moments with,

And share my sorrows, too.

And when I look upon my life,

What matters in the end,

Is that I was really lucky,

To find one, true, faithful friend!

Joan and my mom, Gail, had a very special bond. Both were so blessed to have found each other, so many years ago. Since 1957, to be exact. My mom, Gail, describes Joan as strong, capable, very smart, and talented. It was those qualities that enabled Joan to push on, even when her health was poor. Joan also kept going as she looked forward to the hundreds of special visits and outings she had with my mom/Gail over the last nine years. Together they enjoyed walks to the park, many luncheons, Rainbow Stage, in addition to doctor, and dentist appointments, and my kids remember Joan joining us for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at Grandma’s house. Joan and my mom’s relationship was built on mutual respect, trust, and love, and I know they were grateful for each other. How lucky they were to have each other. 

Joan lived a very beautiful life, full of many great memories. Joan was loved, and she is at peace now.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main Street). Joan will be laid to rest in Brookside Cemetery.

She will be dearly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.