LORRAINE HAKALA

HAKALA (née Veal)
Lorraine Victoria Hakala (née Veal), age 79, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She departed this life on the winter solstice, surrounded by love and the family she so deeply cherished.

Lorraine was born on September 22, 1946, in Port Arthur, Ontario, to Lloyd and Audrey (Shaw) Veal. As the eldest sibling to Marjie, Jim, Gloria, Gary, Karen, and Elaine, she naturally assumed a maternal role early in life. She often spoke fondly of a joyful childhood filled with neighbourhood friendships and a love of competitive sports that remained with her throughout her life.

She attended Hillcrest High School and later graduated with honours from Hammarskjold High School. Lorraine went on to earn her teacher's certification, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for learning. On August 10, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Hakala, beginning a partnership rooted in friendship, devotion, and love. Together, they built their family home on Hazelwood Drive a place that became the heart of family life and the hub for neighbourhood gatherings and parties that brought friends and family together for decades.

In 1971, she chose to leave her teaching career and devote herself to family life, raising her three sons, Darren, David, and Mark. After the death of her parents, she welcomed her youngest sister, Elaine, into their home and embraced her as a daughter. She would often gather the kids and neighbourhood children into the car to head out on adventures, managing their energy and antics while mostly keeping her composure. Though small in stature, Lorraine carried remarkable tenacity and a presence far greater than her size. Her quiet strength and resilience defined her as the matriarch of her family. She was supportive, encouraging, and deeply caring, always willing to lend a hand, listen without judgment, and lead with kindness, compassion, and empathy.

Lorraine later returned to the workforce, building a fulfilling career in retail, which culminated at Canadian Tire on Dawson Road. In retirement, she enjoyed the outdoors, finding peace kayaking on Cloud Lake and joy in the many friendships she formed at the Moose Lodge Campground. She took great pride in her gardens and found pleasure in observing the birds and wildlife on her property. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting, and remained an avid sports fan, especially of curling, which she played for many years and watched with dedication.

An enthusiastic traveller, Lorraine explored Mexico, Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, and the Dominican Republic, and cherished motorhome adventures to the West Coast and the Lake Superior Circle Tour.

She was deeply proud of her five grandchildren Logan, Meghan, Kyler, Makenna, and Ethan and found immense joy in supporting them during sporting events, school activities, recitals, and important milestones. She was fully engaged in their interests and delighted in every opportunity to share their passions.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Audrey Veal, and her brothers, Jim and Gary. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Kenneth Hakala; her children Darren, David (Janice), and Mark (Melanie); her grandchildren; her sisters Marjie (Eddy) Backen, Gloria (Ed) Myllyaho, Karen (Donnie) Korpela, and Elaine (Donny) Koski, sisters-in-law Lorna Veal, Barb Veal, May Blair, and Ann Roberts; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Regional Cancer Care Northwest, and the Palliative Care Team for their compassionate guidance and support.

A celebration of Lorraine's life will be held in February 2026. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Research Fund in her memory.

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com