Mrs. Lorraine Margaret Harden

"What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is just the beginning." We celebrate the life of Lorraine Margaret Harden, who died peacefully at home in Toronto on February 9, 2014 at 83 years of age. Her memory will be cherished by beloved husband Raymond, daughter Lesley (fondly known by Lorraine as "Rosebud" - husband Rob), sons Barry and Craig (wife Bonni), sisters Joan and Carolyn (husband Bruce, deceased), and brother Cecil (wife Helga). She is predeceased by brother Ken (wife Jessie, deceased). Born on April 10, 1930, Lorraine will be remembered for her generous and loving nature, her positive spirit, and as a friend to all who crossed her path. Her radiant smile and kind words for everyone made her a joy to be around. She was filled with love and enthusiasm and always interested in the well-being of others, serving for many decades as a volunteer with the United Church Women at Jubilee United Church in Don Mills. Lorraine had a deep faith that sustained her throughout her life, and will carry her spirit forward in joy and light. She was married to her soul-mate Ray for 63 years, and was an avid gardener, renowned cook and a nature-lover who cherished many a summer with Ray and family at their cottage in Parry Sound. She also enjoyed vacationing with her sisters in Florida. Lorraine's heart was filled with love and gratitude to God, family and friends, and these were her last words to loved ones over a meal moments before she was taken suddenly by a heart attack in the family home. She would want us to thank the paramedics and firefighters who worked so valiantly to try to bring her back, as they had successfully done in the past with the help of doctors and staff at Sunnybrook Hospital, and her dedicated family doctor, Dr. Lauren Gewurz. And though this time the heart attack proved to be fatal, we take comfort in the fact that her life actually symbolizes the victory of a loving heart. Lorraine was an angel who was always ready with a helping hand and a cheerful word, and was - and will continue to be - a beacon of light for her family and all those who her knew her. A memorial service for Lorraine Margaret Harden will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday February 17, 2014 at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto (416) 447-6846 www.jubileeunited.ca Click on "Contact Info" on the left of the page for a link to "maps and directions". Light refreshments will be served following the service at the church. Free parking is available in the church parking lot. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in Lorraine's memory by the Jubilee United Church. Following are quotations that comfort the family and that you might also enjoy: What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is just the beginning. Buddhist Saying We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give Winston Churchill Send your thoughts of love and goodwill to your loved ones as often as you feel inclined to do so, but at least once a year — perhaps on some special anniversary. Mentally tell them, “We will meet again sometime and continue to develop our divine love and friendship with one another.” If you send them your loving thoughts continuously now, someday you will surely meet them again. You will know that this life is not the end, but merely one link in the eternal chain of your relationship with your loved ones. Paramahansa Yogananda Say not in grief that she is no more but say in thankfulness that she was A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come. Rabindranath Tagore Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4