Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Loretta Lipinski (nee Tucker) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 28, 2022, at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Loretta was born on January 21, 1933, in Fort Frances, to George and Jane (nee Calder) Tucker. She grew up on Rainy Lake spending most time at her father’s commercial fishing and trap line in Hopkins Bay along with her five brothers and one sister. Loretta often told stories of her childhood and large family gatherings. Living at the lake and off the land was a big part of growing up there for Loretta.
Loretta started her life long career at La Verendrye Hospital in her early twenties. She became the Director of Admissions and was in charge of billings and the operating room bookings when it was a 133-bed hospital. It was through this job that Loretta met two very special women, Liz Clark and Val Mills, who became lifelong friends and remain so to this day.
Retiring on the lake was always the goal for Loretta, and after 30 plus years at La Verendrye Hospital she achieved that goal and took an early retirement at age 55 in 1988.
Loretta met the love of her life Karl Lipinski on a blind date and they were married on April 11, 1959, in Thunder Bay, Ont. Together they raised two children, Glen and Gary, spending countless days down at the bay, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Living on the lake close to her childhood cabin was an integral part of who she was. To that end, Loretta and Karl built their own home on Hopkins Bay and lived there for 50 plus years until her passing.
Through the years many neighbours in the Hopkins Bay area became lifelong friends. Loretta and Karl were well known for their hospitality, and their door was always open.
Loretta shared her love for the lake and outdoors with her three grandchildren: Amanda, Shawn and Rachel. They have many fond memories of days down the bay, treasure hunts, picking wild berries, boat rides, walks to the landing and eating Grandma’s delicious baking treats.
Loretta will be greatly missed by her husband Karl; sons Glen (Carolina) and Gary (Dianne); grandchildren Amanda, Shawn, and Rachel (Cody) Vangel; and two great-grandsons Elijah, and Weston; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She is predeceased by her parents George and Jane Tucker; brothers George, Gilbert, Horace, Ronald and Raymond; and sister Elsie Taylor.
As per Loretta’s wishes no service will be held. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held at a later date.
If desired donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Heart and Stroke foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ontario.
