Obituary of Lorna Franklin

B I O G R A P H Y FRANKLIN: Lorna passed away in Lloydminster Hospital on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the age of 85 years. The funeral service for Lorna was held Friday, February 25 in the Marwayne Community Hall. Officiating Reverend Bob Aldrich, Pianist Donna Eyben. Eulogy given by grandson Floyd Isley, special memories were given by granddaughter’s Thea Carey, Lori Blake, Tracy Koluk and Ramona Evans. Special memories also shared by daughter Adele and husband Joe Harvie. Pallbearers were Grandsons: Floyd Isley, Shawn Franklin, Owen Franklin, Quinn Franklin, Dale Midgley, Ken Franklin, Ryan Franklin, Dru Franklin and Daine Franklin. Honorary pallbearers were Granddaughters: Lori Blake, Thea Carey, Tracy Koluk, Yvonne Franklin, Wanetta Petiot, Ramona Evans, Jennifer Robertson, all her friends, great grandchildren, step grandchildren, TOPS pals and Royal Purple Honor Guard. Summary of Eulogy by Floyd Isley Lorna Armour Reichenbaugh was born on January 27, 1920 to Annie and Floyd Reichenbaugh on a cold Alberta winter day at Grandma McNab’s house in Edmonton. Most of Lorna’s childhood was spent on the family farm in the Elgin area, which is east of Lea Park on the south side of the river. Lorna was an only child, and family has always been very precious to her. After a long friendship with Lorne Franklin, he took her for his wife on October 16, 1940. Soon after, they started their family, and had six beautiful children. Sheila-Anne, Neil Lorne, Melvin Floyd, Walter Lindsay, Dawn Adele, and Mark Lloyd. Their house was full of children and full of the love they shared with them. Lorne and Lorna raised two families their own and grandchildren Ramona and Shawn after the untimely death of son Neil and his wife Barbara. Their happy marriage lasted 56 years, and Grandma often told me Lorne loved her everyday of that marriage. Lorne passed away in 1996. Lorna was also predeceased by two grandsons Kirk Isley (1965) and Mark Midgley (1983). Lorna was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She spent a great part of her life raising children and was very proud of it. She was the strong spirit that kept our family together. She was a lady of unconditional love. Many of our friends also knew her as Grandma Franklin and that’s just the way she liked it. Lorna loved outings and attended sports events, rodeo’s, hockey, skating, basketball, curling, etc. If any children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren were playing you couldn’t keep her away. She would really get into the games and even offer the odd advice to the referees. Lorna just loved to go and cherished the time spent with family and friends. Living life with love and enthusiasm is something many of us will remember. Lorna is survived by: five children: Sheila and her husband Ernie Isley of Bonnyville; Melvin Franklin and his wife Linda of Bonnyville; Lindsay Franklin and his wife Jean of Marwayne; Adele and her husband Joe Harvie of Marwayne and Lloyd Franklin and his wife Linda of Bonnyville; two special grandchildren: Ramona and Shawn, who were raised by Lorne and Lorna; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; eight step grandchildren as well as numerous other relatives. Card of Thanks We would like to thank the staff of Lloydminster Hospital, Dr. Du Plooy, Kitscoty Home Care for the special care given mom, to Bob Aldrich for his comfort to Mom and kind words and service for us. Thank you Donna Eyben for playing the piano, to Floyd Isley for the eulogy and the girls for their special moments. Thank you to the pallbearers, Glenn McCaw and McCaw Funeral Service. Thanks to the Royal Purple for their part in the service and for the lovely lunch. Thanks to everyone who phoned, sent flowers, cards, food and donations in memory of mom. We would like to thank all of you who came to Mom’s service and for your support and kind words which meant so much to us. A donation will be made in lieu of thank you cards to Marwayne Hall, United Church, Fire and Rescue. Thanks to everyone. Sheila, Ernie Melvin, Linda Lindsay, Jean Adele, Joe Lloyd, Linda Ramona, Murray Shawn, Ilona and all their families Donations in memory of Lorna may be made to the Marwayne Community Hall, Marwayne United Church or the Marwayne Fire and Rescue.