Maude Ellen Lorkowski

August 6, 1935 – April 9, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maude Ellen Lorkowski (nee Roberts), on April 9th, 2023 in her 87th year. Maude passed peacefully in her sleep early Easter morning, soon after a circle of prayer with her family and close friends. Maude's boundless curiosity, lively conversation, spontaneity, genuine love of family and her outspoken support for animals will be missed greatly. This world is the richer for having known her.

Maude was a devoted mother and an extraordinary caregiver. During her career as a Registered Nursing Assistant, Maude worked closely with patients at McKellar Hospital and the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. As a young mother that wanted to stay close to her children's educational journey, she became an Educational Assistant at C. D. Howe Elementary School and remained dedicated there for over twenty years, saving many of her students' artworks and Christmas cards in cherished scrapbooks until her passing. Maude and her husband Alexander Lorkowski, raised three children (Robert, Tammy and Holly) to love life and above all, to help others. Maude lived by Jesus's example and loved her neighbours as herself. She spread love, good will and support to those in her neighbourhood, often feeding friends and strangers across her community. Seemingly without effort, Maude was able to brighten anyone's day and weave a wide circle of love with genuine devotion. Maude's desire to help others was constant, and led her also to work briefly as a Personal Support Worker before retiring completely. Maude's pursuits and interests included painting landscapes, knitting, taking road trips with good friends Michelina and Anne, inventing heart-healthy recipes, feeding neighborhood birds and squirrels, playing the piano, enjoying time with family friend Myrna and doting on her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her beloved gentleman friend, Rex Rekofski, with whom she shared a passion for health trends, current events, naturopathic medicine and travelling over the last two decades.

Maude is survived by her son Robert Lorkowski (Liliana Ciddio), her daughters Tammy Kiessig (Ralph) and Holly Hagberg (Chad), her loving grandchildren Robbie, Gillian and Gabbi, her cat Maybe and her grand-dog Sophie. She is predeceased by her husband Alexander Lorkowski, parents Jack and Mary Roberts, her brother Robert Roberts, sister Joan McMahon and many beloved family pets.

Maude's family graciously thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center and at St. Joseph's Care Group, as well as the PSWs and nurses from Bayshore, especially Charlotte, Judy, Amanda and Steve.

Maude's wish for no funeral will be honoured. She made such a difference across so many lives. Please honour her memory by contributing, in lieu of flowers, to the same charities that Maude herself supported regularly: Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, The Canadian March of Dimes, Make-a-Wish Foundation, SPCA Montreal, Covenant House, Canadian Society of the Little Flower, Prostate Cancer Canada, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Cancer Research Society of Canada.

Maude loved God. She lived by the Golden Rule. She fed the hungry and gave voice to those that could not speak for themselves. It is with joyful hearts that we remember her and follow her favourite saying:

‘Pray about Everything, Worry about Nothing.'

Condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com