Lorraine (Rainy) Mandziuk nee Van Horne passed in the early morning hours of May 21st, 2025.
I was born November 30, 1947 to Rowley and Elsie Van Horne. My Dad passed at the age of 45 when I was 6 years old and Mom left us on December 28, 1989. Being type A and because I was unable to shed my "producer's hat" I decided to tell my own story. Those who know me well will truly understand. However, the main reason is that I wanted everyone to know how grateful I was to have lived an amazing life and to thank all those who were a part of it along the way.
My brother Freddy and I grew up on Ray Boulevard with our Mom who suddenly became a widow with a 5 and 6 year old. Although the following years were tough on Mom, Freddy and I had the most awesome childhood with at least 100 other kids to play with in a 2 block radius. Most families had at least 5 to 7 children and it was nothing to put together a street baseball game in just a few minutes.
We attended Pine Street school and then Hillcrest High. It was there I met my high school sweetheart Henry Mandziuk and we married on June 11th, 1966. It wasn't easy in those early days. He was 19 and I was 18. We worked hard and 5 years later were able to build our dream log home on Melbourne Road. That same year we welcomed our first child Billy and 2 years later our daughter Carolyn.
From 1974 I spent the next 22 years working for the Federal Government Dept. of Transport in Aviation Regulation at Thunder Bay Airport. Prior to retiring from the airport, I began my videography business in 1989 which I called Lorraine's Video Vision Productions and spent the next 16 years living the dream and shooting and producing wedding videos. Carolyn and eventually Henry jumped in and together we had some amazing adventures and met so many great folks along the way. In 1999 while still engaged in my videography business, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to transition to another dream of mine and that was to sing. Thanks to the shared interest of an amazing group of like-minded individuals, we formed a tribute artist group which became known as Thunder Bay Legends. Our crazy journey took us through 20+ years of performing locally and travelling with our shows to festivals, casinos and so many fun corporate events. We were truly living our wildest dreams and to say we became a big family along the way would be an understatement. Also, during these years Henry and I became Winter Texans and together we toured the Rio Grande Valley with our Patsy Cline Tribute show for the next 15 years.
In 2008 when I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I found my way to the Dragons of Hope Dragon Boat Team and spent many wonderful years paddling and travelling with the best group of fellow survivors that one could ask for. I love you my Sistas ..... Paddles Up!!! Then in 2020 along with Covid came the other "C" word and once again my life changed dramatically to say the least. Monthly treatments kept me going. One of my last special events was finally performing my solo show in front of a local crowd and especially having my family be there to join in on the fun. I love my crazy family and along with my Legends gang thank them for making our last summer get together so very special. Thanks also to friends who joined us especially Cathy and Tom for making it happen. I couldn't have been happier. All in all I had a full and joyous life filled with many very special friends and amazing experiences that carried me through and stayed with me till the end. You all know who you are and please know that I was always grateful for your friendship and good humour. Especially the humour.
I sadly leave behind Henry my husband of 58 years who looked after me in every way possible. I know this journey was very hard on you and I love and appreciate everything you did for me. You are my hero. Our children Billy Mandziuk and Carolyn (Gary) Weiss and grandboys Carter, Jordan and Owen who kept me smiling always. My brother Freddy (Dartmouth NS) and sister-in-law Jane along with their children Jeff and Kelly and their families. In-laws Paul and Jean Mandziuk and their children Paul and Michelle and their families. Special thanks to Dr. Anthes and Dr. Aseyev both of whom kept me going for the last 5 years and Dr. Sellick who helped me through the last few months. We appreciate all you have done. I have asked that my family celebrate my life with a big party with lots of singing and reminiscing.
(God, I hate that I will miss that.)
Henry and the family would like to give a special thanks to the amazing team at St Joseph’s Hospital on 2N, 4N and the Hospice unit for their exceptional care that they provided Lorraine over the last 2 months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Northern Cancer Fund.
Details of Rainy’s party will be shared shortly.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
