TILSON-Mrs. Lorna Marlene Kathleen Tilson, age 77 years, passed away peacefully on Plaza 4 - Pioneer Ridge on Friday, January 31, 2014 surrounded by her family. Lorna was born in Port Arthur on May 22, 1936 to parents Lauri and Jenny Maki. She attended Central School and Port Arthur Technical School and was an avid volleyball and basketball player. After attending Business College, Lorna obtained a position at the Provincial Paper office, where she met the love of her life and her future husband, Ken. They were married on November 12, 1955 and celebrated 56 years of marriage before Ken passed away. During their marriage, Lorna and Ken traveled to many places including Florida, Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Portugal and California. Summers were spent at their camp at Clover Beach where lifelong friendships were made. Lorna was a talented amateur artist who enjoyed reading, writing, scrapbooking, RV camping, and fashion. She liked to research various subjects and kept up with current events on her computer. She was particularly interested in genealogy and compiled both the Tilson and Maki family histories. For many years, Lorna was an active member of the Thunder Bay-Nipigon Liberal Association, and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Provincial and Federal Riding Association. In 1987, Lorna was appointed to serve on the local Police Commission. Three years later, she was elected Chair of the Thunder Bay Police Commission; a position she thoroughly enjoyed. Lorna also was a board member with the Alzheimer’s Society. Lorna was a hard worker, with a kind and compassionate spirit. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Lorna will be sadly missed by daughters Tracey (Terry) Hill and Susan Tilson; son Rob (Sharon) Tilson; grandchildren: Alyson (Kurt) Dykstra and Taylor Hill, Zachary and Curtis Tilson and Kenny, Jacob and Tommy Tilson; brother Rodney (Ethel) Maki; sister Judy (Bob) Maki and brother-in-law Ray Tilson (Lively, Ontario). Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. Lorna was predeceased by her husband, Ken, in March, 2012, her parents and sisters-in-law Eadie Maki and Gail Tilson. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Church, Waverly Street, with Rev. Susan Ivany presiding. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday February 4th from 6-8 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pioneer Ridge Helping Hands Auxiliary or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff on Plaza 4 at Pioneer Ridge for taking such special care of Lorna. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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