Lorraine Manley

Lorraine Manley (nee: Darling) passed away on Sunday June 5, 2022, in her 68th year.
Forever loved and missed by her husband of 47 years Tom, and children Simon (Charissa) and Cal (Kristen). Adoring Grandma of Rowan.
Forever loved and missed by her husband of 47 years Tom, and children Simon (Charissa) and Cal (Kristen). Adoring Grandma of Rowan.
Survived and much loved by sister Diane (Paul) McDonald, and fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her father Norman Darling, mother Ann, and sisters Norma Wright and Linda Moore.
A life threatening brain tumor in her early 20’s left Lorraine forever camera shy but did not dampen her remarkable resilience.
She enjoyed 30 years of dedicated service in the Children’s Department at the Woodstock Public Library. Walking the half hour to work each day Lorraine happily found the perfect occupation combining her love of children, books, and walking. It was at work where she bonded with her much-treasured friends “The Library Ladies”.
She was an avid reader and loved her many dogs over the years.
Dedicated to making sure occasions were celebrated properly she was responsible for many wonderful meals, events and memories.
Lorraine loved to explore the world. Some of her most memorable trips included Nepal, India, NYC and Italy. Lorraine chose quality of life over quantity of life when confronting her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Cremation has taken place. Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Avenue, Woodstock, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
No flowers, please. Memorial donations to Victoria’s Quilts Canada https://www.victoriasquiltscanada.com or Birds Canada https://www.birdscanada.org in Lorraine’s memory are greatly appreciated. Messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca
Tom, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
I’m so saddened that Lorraine is no longer with us. I’m so sorry for your loss. I was absolutely privileged to work with her all through high school at the Woodstock Library children’s dept. She was a treat, so kind and compassionate and wonderful to everyone who came in. We were a wonderful family there, getting together and having potlucks. I’m so glad that I got to know her and work with her. May you find peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Tom, we were very much surprised and saddened to hear of the death of Lorraine. We remember the many times we saw the two of you out walking the roads and trails. You and the boys have our deepest sympathies.
Tom,
We are so sad to hear of Lorraine’s passing. I’ve missed seeing her at the library where she was always so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. We shared travel stories and I admired her strength and sense of adventure.
Thinking of you.
Ken and Suzanne Heaton
The photo in the OSN June 16/22 obituaries intrigued me…a photo of a woman looking down at a dog at a beach. Then I read and found out the woman was Lorraine Manley who used to work for many years in the Children’s Dept. at Woodstock Public Library. We knew her! (if only from the library) Many years ago my husband and I took our 3 young children to the library over and over. Lorraine was often there to help us…finding books, recommending books or sometimes just engaging in a few words of sincere conversation with us. Lorraine was a truly welcoming presence at the library and we offer her family our sincerest condolences. Bob and Delilah Sutherland and Family
Dear Tom, Simon, Cal and family,
So very sorry to learn of Lorraine’s passing. We were so lucky to know her. Please accept our sincere sympathy during this difficult time.
Harry & Eleanor Paterson
Tom and family, Graham and I share in the grief of your loss. You are blessed to have had Lorraine in your life. I will never forget her and will always wish we had gone for that coffee to catch up.
Tom this is to you and your family.
It has saddened me to read of Lorraine’s death. Your memories will hold Lorraine close along with her love for you. For love never dies.
I want to add my name to the large group of people who will miss Lorraine. She was indeed a special person, kind, knowledgeable, one of those people who make you feel the center of their attention when circumstances bring you together.
Respectfully,
Mariana Rodriguez
Lorraine was a treasured friend and an absolute port in the storm while raising my 2 sons who were the same age as Simon and Cal. We had many coffees together while discussing the issues of the world as the boys played around us. Intelligent conversation can be scarce as an at-home parent!
She will be missed but her gentle soul will be forever remembered.
Dear Tom,
I am so bereft to learn of Lorraine. She is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known. Her mere presence was uplifting. She so embodied joy. Her deep convictions and integrity, particularly in caring for the natural world, have been a model to me. The two of you had a near-perfect connection and my heart aches for you and your family in her loss.
My condolences Tom. Lorraine was a special person.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Tom and the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lorraine will always be remembered as a kind wise loving woman who touched many people’s lives. Prayers going out to everyone. With Love Uma
I worked with Lorraine at WPL when I had just finished high school. I looked forward to seeing her beautiful smile and she always had a kind word. Long after I finished working there, my own children met Lorraine and loved her too. She will be missed. Dear family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear that Lorraine has lost her struggle with cancer. My heart goes out to her family and friends and all of those folks at the library who love her and miss her. I know she was a woman of deep faith and I hope that this will give some consolation in this difficult time of grief and loss.
Tom and Family, we were so saddened to hear of Lorraine’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Lorraine was one of the kindest and gentlest souls to ever grace our lives. You would never hear her speak ill of anyone, a rare and beautiful trait. We will treasure always our annual summer pilgrimages to Woodstock, the kids especially have special memories to cherish. We will miss her smile and humour, a wonderful sister and aunt to us all.
Rest in Peace Lorraine, “Heaven’s morning breaks while earth’s vain shadows flee”.
Our sincere condolences, thinking of you and your family.
Our sincere condolences, thinking of you and your family.
Tom & Family,
So sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. Tom, Steph, Jane, Pedro and I have you in our thoughts. All our love, your Smith cousins
We are sad to hear about Lorraine’s passing and are thinking of her and Tom and all of your family in our prayers. She was a lovely person and I feel fortunate to have met her.
Tom, I’m so sorry to hear this devastating news! I will remember her fondly as a very special lady. Sending love and support at this difficult time.
(Cousin)Ann and family
XO
So sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you❤️
Loads of love to you Tom, and the boys and Rowan
Such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to a woman who lived life fully, embracing everyone and everything she loved. Lorraine left a positive impact on all who knew her, both humans and dogs. She lived the last stage of her life with grace and courage. Tom, you were so fortunate to have spent 47 years with this remarkable woman and we can only imagine the immense pain you are experiencing. When we saw you together, it was evident the deep love you shared. She was a wonderful mom to Simon and Cal. We’re so glad she was able to experience the joy of being a grandma to Rowan. We are so sorry your love is no longer with you in person. We are thinking of you and your family and sending our love. Cathie & Paul
My deepest condolences to Tom and family from Lucy😞
So sorry to hear of this news! I had some lovely chats with Lorraine when she came to attend classes with Geshe Sonam. Her warmth and sweet personality were immediately evident. My condolences to the family. Lorraine is in my prayers.
Tok, Simon, and Cal.
I’m so sorry to hear about Lorraine. I’ve been thinking about her a lot this year and wish I had reached out sooner. Lorraine was an amazing person. I’ll never forget all her support and great conversations we had over many years.
Big love.
Jason
I will miss you Lorraine, I treasure the memories of our time together. All our love to Tom, Simon, Cal and Family xoxo
Cal – Bethany & Ryan just told us of your Moms passing, our thoughts n prayers are with you, Kristen, Rowan and you whole family.
Paul & Pat Jancsar
Lorraine was a one-of-a-kind, really beautiful soul. She made the library such a fun place to be, and always looked out for all of us. Her friendship with my mom and all the other library ladies was really special and will be missed so dearly. Sending love and keeping you all in my thoughts.
Sending love and prayers to Lorraine and her family.
Tom,
We met on New Years Eve, at my home, a few years back. I am so sorry for your loss. Lorraine was one of my favorite people to visit with at the library. She will be missed by us all.
Sincerely,
Chuck Surette, husband of Marina Surette
Lorraine was one of the kindest, most caring people I ever met. She had a beautiful soul and made me want to be a better person. I am so sorry for your loss Tom, Cal and Simon.
It is so incredibly sad when someone so beautiful in spirit leaves us too soon. Although I had not known Lorraine for long I was always touched by her kindness and thoughtfulness. May her spirit soar.
Tom and boys; We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Lorraine. She was an amazing neighbor for over twenty years. She was always very friendly and just an all around lovely person. We know you will miss her. May she rest in peace. Take care and know that we are thinking about you. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mark and Linda Balch