Lorraine Mary Ann Thorsrud passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in the loving arms of her daughter Julianne. She was seventy-nine years of age. Lorraine was born on Sept. 21, 1936 in the small town of Ethelbert, MB to John and Anne (Hrynkiw) Tycholis. She was the eldest of three children and remained a shining light to her parents throughout their lives. Over the years a precocious child grew into a formidable woman. Piano and singing lessons from a young age led to church performances and spots on the local radio in Dauphin, MB as an accomplished singer. She loved to sing and her voice was beautiful! Her beauty attracted the attention of Bjorn Thorsrud, visiting from Lillehammer, Norway and they quickly fell in love and were married on November 5, 1960. Together they opened Thorsrud's Colour Centre in Yorkton, SK and remained in business together for over 42 years until their retirement. During their time together Lorraine and Bjorn traveled the world, laughed and loved. Lorraine's passion for life and the arts saw her involved as a volunteer for decades. She sat on several boards and committees on regional, provincial and national levels. Some of which included: Chairperson for the Parkland Abilities Council in Yorkton, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the University of Regina (the first woman to ever be elected to the position) and Canada Council for the Arts in Ottawa, ON. This is where she was the sole representative for Canada for the 43 member inter-governmental committee as part of her membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She was the first Yorkton resident to be named "Citizen of the Year" in 1983 in recognition of her long-time public service. This led her to become an International Honourary Member of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women's sorority. Lorraine loved to cook big meals for family gatherings and taught us that family around the dinner table is the best family to have. Her borscht recipe is heavenly. We will always love you sweet Lorraine. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 55 years, Bjorn; daughters: Julianne (Neil), Karen (Walter) and Sharon; grandchildren: Sarah (Aldrick), Kristian, Michael, Julian and Isabella, as well as friends and extended family whose lives Lorraine enriched with her beautiful personality and energy. She loved deeply, lived vivaciously and had a zest for life that we will all remember and admire! The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Walter Farquharson officiating. Son-in-law Neil Thom gave a tribute on behalf of the family and daughter Sharon read 'O Loving God'. Pianist, Shani Apland led members of the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', 'Give To Us Laughter', 'Jesus, We Have Come to the Lakeshore' and the Hebrew Benediction. Honourary bearers were members of the Beta Sigma Phi. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery Columbarium with Lorraine's daughters Julianne, Karen & Sharon serving as the urn bearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Alzheimer's Society or to the Parkland Abilities Council.
