Lorna Myrtle Connolly

December 25, 1925 - May 17, 2025

In loving memory ~

Lorna Myrtle Connolly (nee Wood) passed away peacefully on May 17 in Chilliwack, surrounded by her four children. Born on Christmas Day in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Lorna was the only child of Edgar and Lydia Wood. She grew up in Hanna and Westlock, Alberta, where she demonstrated early talents in academics, music, and leadership—skills nurtured by her mother hosting their elegant tea gatherings during the Depression era.

Lorna earned a Bachelor of Science (Home Ec.) in 1947 from the University of Alberta. Her first position brought her to Coqualeetza Hospital as a Clinical Dietitian in Chilliwack BC, where she met Cornelius (Con), a federal civil engineer rebuilding the hospital.

They married in 1949 and raised four children while crisscrossing Canada—living in Winnipeg, Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, and Cold Lake and arriving in Vancouver in 1965. When the family settled in Vancouver, Lorna returned to her profession, requalifying in dietetics and contributing significantly to the field. She researched for the startup of Dial a Dietitian, still active today, and later, while President of the BC Dietetics Association worked with the Minister of Health to have dietitians registered.

Following Con's passing in 1997, Lorna returned to Sardis, where she designed her dream home and immersed herself in gardening, floral arranging, dollhouse building, and restoring porcelain dolls. She found joy walking her beloved dogs along the Vedder Trail. Later, at Hawthorn at Elim Village, she made lasting friendships and delighted in weekly therapy dog visits.

Lorna was a caring and creative person, qualities she passed on to her grateful family who continued to amaze her with their individual accomplishments. Lorna is lovingly remembered by her children: Jim (Janis), Marilyn, Ray (Lori), and Sheila (Murray); her seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Thursday, June 12th at 10:00am:

Funeral Service at St. Mary's Church, 8909 Mary Street, Chilliwack.

On June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., A drop-in Celebration of Life will follow at The Hawthorn at Elim Village, 45418 Chehalis Dr., Chilliwack. Donations in Lorna's memory may be made to the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program:

https://sja.ca/en/community-services/therapy-dog-program.