VILLEBRUN, Lorraine (Lori) Norma
September 16, 1964 – January 27, 2012
Lori Villebrun of Calgary passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the age of 47 years. Her spirit remained strong as she faced cancer over the last month.
Lori was a loving mother to her three sons: Justin, Bradyn and Cassidy. She is the eldest daughter of Raymond and Nora Villebrun; beloved sister to Gwen Villebrun (Chad Neumeier) and Marlene Villebrun (Randall McKenzie); and an integral member of her extended family.
Born in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Lori lived in Inuvik as well as Yellowknife where she worked as a Reporter for CBC. She maintained a strong connection to both the North and her culture after she moved to Calgary to further her education. Lori obtained her Master of Arts degree at the University of Calgary and she worked most recently as Coordinator of the Chinook Lodge at SAIT. Lori was an active community member who worked passionately to further awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultures. She also maintained a vibrant connection to the arts and was well known for her performance as the “Old Woman”. Lori’s passing was sudden and heartbreaking. She left a shining mark on the world, and spread love to those around her. We are thankful for the outpouring of love and support from her friends. We wish to express our gratitude to all the medical staff at the Tom Baker Centre and Carewest Sarcee Hospice. Special thanks to the staff of Unit 39 at the Peter Lougheed Centre, whose kindness and patience during the difficult first weeks are greatly appreciated. We know Lori has touched so many people through the years, and invite you to celebrate her life with us.
A Celebration of Lori’s Life will be held at the Dalhousie Community Centre at 5432 Dalhart Road N.W., Calgary, on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a trust fund that has been set up for her children c/o Marlene Villebrun In Trust at any Scotia Bank Branch.
In living memory of Lori Villebrun, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.
Print Obituary & Condolences
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. This makes me sooooo sad….as our family is still grieving at the loss of our sister, too, who passed away on December 1st, 2011. May God give you all strength at this time and in time to come. God Bless you all.
I just wanted to say that when I met Lori she was telling us stories of her past experiances & she had heard something someone had said @ a conferance or sharring circle and she said it was like a light opened up for her kinda like an “aha moment” and I will never forget her true genuine spirit cause something that she had said will remain with me forever that I learned in her speaking~I enjoyed her skits she performed and I was always truly happy to see her & I will never forget the way her eyes would light up when she saw you cause she always made you feel genuine and important Im so sorry~ to the Villibrun family my condolences & heart felt prayers go out to you….She is a sparkling diamond in life I and we will all miss her…. beautiful spirit Mahsi cho to the creater for blessing us with her~the Chraifi family Hayriver
I am very very sorry to hear of Lori’s death. I worked with Lori at CBC, and looked forward to seeing her when she visited Yellowknife for Folk on the Rocks. She was such a bright sunshine, the world has dimmed a little bit. My condolances to the family. from Andrea Booth in Yellowknife
I am very saddened, but strengthened by the fact that we will meet again.
My heartfelt best wishes to Lori’s family and friends. Her contribution to the spirit of CBC North and the northern arts community is immeasurable. She was a great old soul – which gave her such outstanding credentials to floor us all with her “Old Woman” routine.
I want to offer my deepest condolences to the entire family on the loss of your beautiful Lori. There never has been and there never be a more beautiful person. You should be so very proud of who she was. I think that she was an angel when she came to this earth and now she is an angel looking down upon all of us. The love that she showed while she was here was a sincere gift to us all and one we can carry forever. I thank Lori so much for being my good friend for 36 years. She was my inspiration as I attempted to complete my own Masters Degree. She showed me the SAIT campus many years ago, and spent time with me last summer when I completed my last course for now. She was my true friend and I miss her intensely. I lost my own sister and my parents and I know this is a very difficult time for all of you. She loved her family deeply and I believe she is now in a place where she continues to love all of you. I want to say that she changed my life forever when I went to see her 10 days ago. She taught me about peace and she taught me that there really is a place for all of us to be together again. I doubted this before, but I no longer do because of her. I will never be able to thank her enough. When you need her the most, speak to her in your heart and she will answer you. God Bless you all. Love Moira
It is with sadness and disbelief that Lori has been taken from us. My condolences go out to her three young men Justin,Bradyn and Cassidy. Her parents and our very good friend Raymond. We’ll miss the lady with the sould of an elderly woman. In time, we will have to let her go.
Lori was part of a northern family at CBC North Radio. She had a cheerful demeanor on the radio and was very well received by her audience. I had never known Lori to ever get angry or loose her temper when things did not go her way. She always had that smile and it always kept us wondering. I offer my thoughts and prayers to those that need it most at this time. Take care and “Thy will be done”
George Tuccaro
Commissioner of the NWT
I am saddened to hear of your loss and bear it with you in friendship and community. Stay strong as she would want you to, take comfort in her beautiful spirit as she continues her journey in the places we cannot see.
Randy and Marlene, sending you love and prayers at the loss of your sister and friend. I know how difficult and heartbreaking it is to see someone you love taken by cancer. It helps to remember all the good memories and only time will slowly heal your grief. Our sympathies to all your family at this very difficult time.
Was very priviliaged to work with LORI in her time with SRD as an information officer. the one constant that you hear when her name comes up is her smile, she was always willing to help out with any jobs that came up wether it was through her posistion as info officer or to help out with any other jobs
one of those folks that was happy seeing others happy, also a great role model for the youth from the north to see that they can do what ever they want as long as they stay commited and positive
will miss your beutiful smile and our visits when i came up to the calgary office
prayers and condolences to all who were lucky enough to share life with LORI
I stopped by Chinook Lodge this morning. It was dark. I felt very sad that someone I’ve worked with closely over the past three years was taken so suddenly. Lori taught me the meaning “seeing” the person. To her family, my condolences, and my hope that her light will continue to shine in your lives.
Brayden, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad to cancer two years. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Alicia
My heart is broken at the passing of my dear friend Lori Villebrun. Mother Earth is a little bit darker because this beautiful light has blinked out. She is free from her pain, and her spirit lives on; her family and friends are in my prayers as we share this loss and mourn our own emptiness without this shining angel-woman to be here to inspire and love us. Creator, please bless her boys, her family, her friends, her students, her community, and keep us strong for one another. Thank you for being in my life, Lori. Hiy, Hiy. Until we meet on the other side – love Cheryle
Lori left a profound imprint on my life and I am truly honored and blessed to have known her. She was a remarkable woman who carried herself with integrity, strength, love and compassion. She blessed me with her teachings and knowledge in which I am forever grateful. I will miss her loving smile; the smile that the greeted me with in such an open and welcoming manner. I am gifted with having the ability to have known Lori and will forever carry her in my heart.
Marsee
It gives me such pleasure to have know Lori, her kindness, patience and as an ambassador for the NWT, in promoting her acting abilities for both the young and old, thank you for giving aboriginal women strength and encouragement through your portrait of and “Old Woman” those were lessons of joy and laughter that will echo for many years, my condolences to your sons and family, may we meet again,
Prayer for the Bereaved
I am the Life, the Light, and the Way
The earth is my Garden.
Each of the Souls I plant as seeds
Germinates and flowers in its season
And in each I am fulfilled.
There is no cause for grief
When a blossom fades
But only rejoicing for the beauty it held
And praise that my Will is done
And my Plan served.
I am one with all creatures
And none is ever lost
But only restored to me,
Having never left me at all.
For what is Eternal
Cannot be separated from its Source
I am with you all,
And each of you is a channel for my Light.
Feel my Love
Enfold you now and evermore.
I hope this brings comfort to those who morn the loss of Lori. may God the Creator bless Lori all who knew Lori.
Our deepest condolences to Raymond, Nora,Sisters and Lori’s children. Such a great loss, we will always remember her beautiful smile, she was like a ray of Sunshine. Our Prayers are with you all.
A Simple “How are you?” greeting from Lori was like no other; her smile, the light in her eyes, her soft voice and gentle, authentic focus always made me feel like I had truly been seen and acknowledged. Though her light can not be dimmed, I will miss her gracious, graceful presence, and I wish comfort and wonderful memories to all her family and friends. – Marjorie
Lori was one of the blessings in my life and I will always miss her she came to see me when she moved to Calgary cause someone we both knew in Yellowknife gave her my name she was a kind loving quite person who taught the community a lot with her performances as they always contained a message in lifes teachings she was very humble and once told me she was a success in what she did because of God listening to her prayers. I think she was one of God’s gifts to the rest of us. Thank you for sharing her and blessing us with her presence here on earth. I will never forget her.
I am so sad about Lori´s passing and offer condolences to her family. She really was a beacon of light with her gorgeous smile and always cheery disposition. She will be missed by many.
I loved her wisdom, her generosity, her smile, her acting, her humour and her love for everyone. Rest in peace, Lori.
Lori was one of the sweetest, most sincere people I ever knew. I went to SAIT with her and although we lost touch for a time, I was able to meet up with her last summer. Her warmth and smile was as evident then as it was when we were in school. My deepest condolences to you for your loss.
Along with Lori’s family my heart breaks for her loss. I worked with Lori several years ago and instantly loved her gentle spirit. Lori was a beautiful beautiful person that left a light in my heart. I am so thankful the gift of knowing her …. it is so rare on this eart to find a heart like hers, I know I was truly blessed. I am praying for you her children, may the Lord always fill your heart with strength and may her beautiful spirit always remind you of how much you are loved~
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Lori. She was a strong and important part of the community and her work will always be remembered. Her presence at any function touched all around her.
You are in my prayers.
Lori was one of the sweetest and most dedicated people I had the pleasure of working with at CBC North. Her memory is one of sunshine and warm breezes. My condolences to her family.
My condolences to all Lori’s family for this loss.
I want to send our prayers and condolence to the Villebrun family. Lori will be saddly missed, thinking of you Marlene while you go through this time of lose, please email or call me…Dwight Sr. Dwight Jr. Xaye, Kaitlin, Miranda and Liz…
I worked with Lori at CBC North when she started. She was a terrific, warm and giving person; in fact a joyful person who spread joy where she went. My heartfelt condolences to all of her family.
Lori is one of the kindest people I have ever met. Her soft voice and sweet smile will forever stay in my memories. She will be greatly missed.
I would like to send my condolences to the Villebrun family.
It is such a loss for all that Lori went away so early. May the Creator give strength and courage to her three boys and family. Lori truly impressed me with her generosity, passion and an absolutely beautiful spirit.
To Lori’s family: May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. I will remember not just that such a lovely lady died, but that she lived. And that her life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
“The Old Woman” that is how Lori and I met. Everytime we seen each other I said to her “There is my Beautiful Kookum”, old and wise and gentle spirit. Thank you Lori you are truley “Our Kookum” now. My thoughts and prayers and love go out to Lori’s Boys and her whole Family.
Hiy Hiy My Friend and Sister.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Lori Villebrun. Lori was a great and a wise teacher. I am grateful that I had a chance to be her student. Lori taught me that the Dene vocabulary contains a word that, in its singular concept, encompasses a duality of meaning of the present time and place, and in addition it includes the entire universe indicating interconnectedness between everything that surrounds us. On the day of Lori’s passing, these words of her wisdom came back to me.
May Lori’s soul rest in peace and I hope that those who mourn her will find a consolation in knowing that Lori’s gentle nature and wisdom touched many lives during her journey.
With deepest sympathy
Lori loved the theatre. We were just together in Calgary for a production my son was in. I am stunned with the turn of events. Her picture, taken that night, shows the beautiful woman she was with the brilliant smile. We had no hint of what was to come. She will always be remembered for her kindness, her gentleness and courage. To Justin, Bradyn and Cassidy – your mother has left you a beautiful legacy. May that give you the strength you need. She will never leave you but be in your thoughts daily forever. Love Gail.
My condolences and prayers to Lori’s family for their loss. Lori was such a beautiful, talented woman with a warm, giving spirit. I will miss her greatly.
My Sympathies to the Villebrun Family.
Lori impressed us greatly when she
presented her talk to out ND Women’s
Group. She is a great loss to all our
communities. Our Most Sincere
Condolences!
I was fortunate and blessed to have met Lori at SAIT when she taught us “Aboriginal Studies”. The best part of th e class was getting to laugh with her!! She will certainly be missed but her memories treasured!!
Condolences to her boys and all her family, may God Bless You all!
Continue to Enjoy your Journey Lori…till we meet again on the other side
Lana K. Lucier
Very saddened by Lori’s sudden passing. I joined CBC Radio Yellowknife in 1991 and Lori was a mentor and friend. She will be missed greatly. Condolences to her family and friends. Mahsi.
Please accept my deepest and most sincere sympathy. I wish I could be with you Tuesday as you celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman.
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Thank you for sharing your laughter, talent and genuine humanity with me. I feel truly blessed to have been an inkling part of your life. I know you are in good hands… Your family will miss you so much. My condolences to your loving family. Marsi Cho
Ray, Nora, Gwen and Marlene our deepest sympathy for your loss. I saw Lori last year at a Tim Hortons after more than 20 years and recognized her right away. Couldn’t miss her smile. We had a nice, but brief visit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
The last time I saw Lori was at the Tsuu T’ina pow wow 2 years ago when we promised each other that we would do a better job at keeping in touch. She was so happy and life was going good for her. The time flew by and we were too busy to keep in touch, now I have to say my goodbye for now. She truly was a good spirit and her memory will live on for a long time in all those who had the priviledge of knowing her. She has grown so much over the years and surely passed the tests she had for this lifetime…she completed her journey and it was a good one. My thoughts are with the boys who are now young men, remember her and keep her legacy sacred…she was a good mother, friend and teacher. May all those who have the honour to celebrate her life know that my heart and prayers are with you. CHRIS
All who met Lori will never forget that smile, and the marvelous person who came with it. My condolences to her family.
My sincere sympathy goes out to Lori’s family and friends. She was truly a light in Chinook Lodge. I will miss her kindness, her smile, her intelligence, and her thoughtfulness. With sympathy, Christina Willson
My condolences to Lori’s family and friends.
I didn’t know Lori very well but the staff and students at SAIT who knew her and everyone she has ever met will miss her dearly. She made a difference in a lot of people’s lives.
My thoughts and condolences go out to Lori’s sons and family. Her passing is such a tragic loss for our community in Calgary. At one of my lunches with Lori she brought me a beautiful Kismet dress. She found it at one of her favourite consignment stores but it was too big for her. She told me that when she saw the dress in her closet she always thought of me, so she brought me the dress. She was such a wonderful, warm, caring and great teacher. I can’t believe she is gone.
What a fine, fine woman with a gentle style and beautiful smile. To those closest to Lori I send my deepest thoughts of love and peace. I know she has given you so much of her strength and beauty to carry you through. She certainly gave me and others who worked with her at CBC in Yellowknife a role model for tenacity, patience and love.
After we both left YK we didn’t see each other a lot but in the last few years I’d sometimes hear a knock at the back door and there she’d be on my porch. We’d share a cup of tea as if we’d only just seen each other the day before. At CBC she would at times remind us that the people we were passing judgement on were human beings. Her smile warmed you from the inside out. We had a lot of laughs during the radio drama workshop with Dave Miller and my sister. She will be forever a bright light in the northern sky.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and good wishes towards Lori’s family and loved ones. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Lori at CBC Radio in Yellowknife and will always remember her warm smile, compassionate ways and wicked sense of humour. It warms my heart to read the loving commments from so many of the people touched by Lori’s short time on this earth.
We worked together on the SAIT Council of Champions. Lori always wore her heart on her sleeve, and was a wonderful resource for those struggling in a big city. Our thoughts are with the family. rᐁᐢᐟ ᐃᐣ ᐯᐊᒉ
Dear Justin, Bardyn and Cassidy. My thougts and prayers are with you now. Your mother was a beautiful, kind, gentle and loving soul. She was so very proud of you. I know her spirit lives on her three boys and that gives me much comfort. I hope it brings you comfort as well. I have many fond and happy memories of working with your Mom.
My condolences to the rest of your family. Take care.
Sincere condolences to Lori’s family and friends.
SAIT’s Alive – (Retired and former SAIT colleagues)
Few people have touched my life as significantly as the one we are celebrating here. I knew her mainly through teaching her in my undergraduate First Nations course, through supervising her M.A. thesis, and later through hearing her in her role as guest speaker in my undergraduate classes.
She taught me so much — my students and I were privileged to her her speak of her culture and wanted to learn so much more from her. When she spoke to a class the students were transfixed — you could have heard a pin drop.
To interact with her or to listen to her speak was to respect her and her culture immensely. She was a remarkable bridge-builder and ambassador, yet very humble. She was authentic and spoke from the heart and from the wisdom of the Elders.
She was a role model to Natives and non-Natives alike. I’ll always remember her wisdom and maturity, her quiet peacefulness in the face of adversity, her endearing smile, her patience and non-judgemental character, her deep-rootedness in her culture, her dedication to her boys, and her contributions to the grad celebrations and banquets. I’ll also never forget how her face positively lit up when I gave her a box of Bernard Callebaut chocolates in appreciation for her speaking to one of my classes.
To her entire family, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences.
As a parent, I say to her parents “Thank you so much for your gift of this wonderful woman to us. She was extraordinary.” May her Spirit soar with Eagle.
Lori was a special soul, offering love and friendhsip to all, including myself and I so apprecited her. The way I see it her love and joy is forever. I offer my condolences to her three sons, family, friends, students and colleagues in particular. Love and Light
On behalf of the Dene Nation, we are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of our dear friend Ms. Lori Villebrun. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel at this time.
We remember Lori’s journalistic on-air presence during her work with CBC radio, here in Yellowknife. We remember too that one of Lori’s greatest assets was her ability for hard work and to complete projects in which she believed. She definitely left a “shining mark” with her active community work. She was an inspiration and a promising light for young northerners. She was well-liked by everyone because of her kind nature.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mahsi Cho (Thank you)
Bill Erasmus
Dene National Chief
AFN Regional Chief (NWT)
My special friend, I will miss your sweet smile and kindness. We were truly friends here in the Northwest Territories (Denendeh). We used to crack jokes and make each other laugh when we worked at CBC North, I went to you just to take a brief moment from deadline pressures. Thanks Sweet Sister, I will miss you dearly.
Your Friend Phil
*** My deepest condolence to the Villebrun Family
WOW, my heart was so very heavy when I learned that the Woman, I have had dinner with, shared stories,laughter and worked with was on her way to see the creator. It is with great sympathy that I send to her children and family. Her loss will never be forgotten. She has left a strong mark on this earth. Through kindness, understanding and the sharing of her stories so other may learn from it. Thank you, thank you and thank you! Many blessings to all that is touched by this sudden passing.
My thoughts and prayers to Lori’s family and friends. Lori brought a gentle,loving spirit and incredible dedication to her work with vulnerable people. I will miss her smile and welcoming presence that made a difference in so many lives – including mine. Sherry
Lori was an unbelievable person who left the world a better place. We’ll miss her trademark smile, her laugh and positive outlook on life. Condolences to the family.
I will remember you as a caring professor and a sweet and gentle soul. May God bring your family peace in this sad time.
Lori was the most amazing mother to my three grandsons and will be missed severely. The first time I met Lori, roughly twenty four years ago I sensed the old soul in her. I also loved how her face lit up when she smiled. I too loved her. May she rest in peace.
Please accept my condolences and prayer on the loss of your daughter, mother, and sister, I remember Lori as a young girl running around our house in Inuvik as she and my sister Moira were great friends (and remained so). Even then Lori has a wonderful smile and you could always depend on the fact that where she was, there would be laughter!
Trish
I just heard the news and I am very saddened. My heart goes out to Lori’s boys and family. She was inspirational, honest and a one of the sweetest individuals I had the pleasure to know. I attend UofC at the same time as Lori and I will always remember her as a strong women, great mother, patient friend and someone to look up to–and old woman.
To Marlene and family – my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I hope one day soon you can smile again and relive happy memories.
I just heard of Lori’s passing and my heart goes out to her family. We grew up in Yellowknife and were part of a group of friends that enjoyed spending time together. Unfortunately as we all began our own families and lives, some of us drifted away. It’s been many years since I’d seen Lori but it breaks my heart knowing how difficult the next while will be for her family. It will take some time but one day you will be able to smile again and remember all the good times you shared.
Sandy
I had the pleasure of working with Lori at several events hosted by the FNSA at the University of Calgary and later, an even bigger pleasure, attending a class taught by her. Her approach to life and her committment to learning was a shining beacon to us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Deepest condolences to the family and dear friends of Lori Villebrun. It was such an honor to know her, work with her, and learn from her gentle ways, her kind heart, and her giving spirit. Lori – you will be missed by so, so many people. May your journey be blessed with light, love, peace, and the special grace of our creator as you walk on the path of the old ones. My dear friend and colleague.
Thoughts and Prayers, Shawna Cunningham
Our family was so very sad to hear of Lori’s passing. I always thought of her as a warm light and by simply being around her, I always felt uplifted. Good bye Lori, I hope there are no thunderstorms where you are. Our deepest sympathies to her boys, parents and family.
It’s with mixed feelings that I bid you farewell my dear friend. I’m grateful that you weren’t meant to suffer very long but so selfishly sad that you were set to leave us so soon.
To your beautiful boys, sisters, and parents, I offer my deepest sympathies.
Thank you Lori, for your gift of friendship and acceptance, sisterhood, and allowing me to witness one of the most inspirational Mom’s I’ve crossed paths with. Your level of honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness such an organic part of who you are. I remember during one visit Cass saying “My Mom is the best…she always bakes cakes from scratch.” Or when you’d brought Jessie a pkg of her favourite kind of cookie, wrapped in pretty tissue paper. These are seemingly small acts to some, but it’s in these genuine caring ways, that you made us all feel special and truly cared about — connected. I will cherish the memories of them. And I will miss you and remember you lovingly, always.
We carry you like feathers across the landscape of our lives. We could not gather you now; you are too many are too far….
Love and light you Beauty…xoxoxo
I had first met Lori in grade 9 we were in the same class. We were friends for many years. Althought we had lost contact over the years I often found myself thinking of her. Lori was a very special person and will always have a place in my heart. My deepest condolences goes out to Lori’s family.
My most sincere condolences. Lori was a wonderful friend to my mother Metis Elder Sarah Carr. She often brought her meals or took her for outings when she lived in Calgary. My mom spoke very highly of her friendship with Lori and after mom passed Lori called to tell me about their wonderful times together. She will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.
I was shocked and saddened to read of Lori’s passing in Monday’s “News/North” newspaper. Marlene was once a very good friend, and through her I had the privilege of meeting Lori (and Gwen). Unforgettable smile, gentle spirit. My sincerest condolences to the entire Villebrun family.
I am shocked and deeply saddened. I knew Lori in Yellowknife and always considered her a friend. She always had a sincere smile and loved life. She always took the time to stop and chat when we saw each other and left a lasting impression on my life. Her loss will be felt by many.
May 5th – I have just today learned of the loss we all share with the passing of Lori. My heart breaks as I now reach to your spirit. Lori, you with the beautiful smile, the strong mind, the soft heart…my condolences to your sons and all of your family and friends. We will miss you forever and are forever grateful to have known you in this life.