Lorna Elaine was born on August 31, 1937 to parents Sam and Florence Robertson. She joined older brothers Allan and Ian on the Robertson family farm in Sullivan Township. Lorna attended public school outside of Desboro before completing high school in Chesley.
Shortly after high school Lorna and a friend set out on a trip of a lifetime heading west by train. The two ended up in Lake Louise before later returning to Ontario. It was during this time that she was recruited to Mutual Insurance in Kitchener where she worked as a secretary.
Many weekends saw Lorna return home to Grey County, were she often enjoyed attending dances in Desboro. In 1958, and at one such dance, Lorna caught the eye of one Ronald Leslie Schreiber. The young couple were married on June 30, 1960 and soon settled in Owen Sound. Here they welcomed their first daughter Dale in 1961 before relocating to Chatsworth, with Marie completing their family in 1963.
Ron worked on the ships in the Great Lakes so Lorna spent a lot of time at home raising the girls. In addition to raising her young family, Lorna worked as a nurse’s aid at the nursing home in Chatsworth before later taking a position with Canada Post. She remained with the post office until her retirement at 65.
Lorna and Ron did a lot of camping over the years. They started out with a truck camper and eventually worked their way up to a 5th wheel. They spent many weekends at “The River” property, Carlsruhe and Scone camping. When not camping Lorna loved spending time in her flower gardens. She always appreciated “her view” and taking in the beautiful scenery around her. She loved taking walks in the bush and even dabbled with watercolour painting for a time period.
The Schreibers always enjoyed entertaining, often inviting family, friends and neighbours over for “jam” sessions. Yes, you read that right, out came the guitars, fiddles and Lorna on her banjo, playing for hours on end. Lorna was also a member of the Chatsworth Ladies Coffee Club. Apparently, they didn’t always just drink coffee and there are a few pictures out there that prove it! 🙂 Lorna also enjoyed playing cards. She always looked forward to her weekly card game, whereby the “card group” would get together and play Solo. Junk food was always a big part of these afternoons together. Lorna also had a real fondness for anything chocolate. In fact, she could often be found daily indulging in one of her beloved Hershey Chocolate Bars. She also enjoyed her Tim Hortons coffee (cream only) and in later years, their Ice Cappuccino. She soon passed her fondness down to her grandchildren. Kelsi and Griffin, Lorna’s grandchildren, have many fond memories of their time spent with “gramma” on March Breaks. Tops on that list include their adventures at the bowling alley and the other crazy antics at Moorseburg.
Lorna loved animals! Growing up on the farm introduced her to many animals at a young age. Once married, the Schreibers always had pets in the house, usually a dog and/or cat. Dale and Marie were quick to admit that Lorna took in many strays over the years. In recent years, Mitts (the cat) and Panda (the dog) were always at her side keeping her company.
In 1995 Lorna and Ron moved to Mooresburg and a property on the Saugeen River. Here she loved going outdoors and enjoying nature. Sadly, Ron died in 2007 and Lorna downsized in 2010, moving to Chesley. No day was complete without Lorna picking up the Owen Sound Sun Times and completing the wonder word puzzle. When entering Lorna’s home, the radio was always on (CFOS), keeping her (and her pets) company.
Sadly, in recent years Lorna’s health had begun to decline and she passed away at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Friday, September 14, 2018, with her daughters at her side.
Loving mother of Dale (Stephen) Harwood of Kitchener and Marie (David) DeRoeven of Rossland, B.C. Lorna will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Kelsi and Noah DeRoeven, Griffin Harwood, sister-in-law Dorothy Robertson of Hanover and brother-in-law Leo Schreiber of Collingwood. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald, brothers Ian, Allan and her parents Sam and Florence Robertson.
A memorial service honouring Lorna’s life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment in Desboro Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Arthritis Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
