In loving memory of Lorna Lenore Ermacora - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

On September 17^th, 2018 after a lengthy and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She leaves behind her dear daughter Rachael and beloved husband Jim. Lorna’s strength and endurance not only resulted in staving off the inevitable for longer than most but also provided hope and inspiration to her fellow “Whipple Warriors” (google it).

Lorna was born on July 24^th, 1966 in Toronto Canada to Olive and Joseph Tully. She grew up just north of the city in Unionville and attended Markham District High School and then the University of Western Ontario in London from which she graduated with an honors degree in English Language and Literature, class of 1989.

Lorna worked at various and diverse occupations – everything from banker to bartender to dog walker. Jim and Lorna were married in 1999 and when their daughter was born in 2003 the family was fortunate to have the means to allow Lorna to remain home and nurture Rachael in her young and formative years. The family moved to Florida in 2005 and Lorna continued to be a stay-at-home mom until Rachael became of school-age and Lorna started her journey towards the career that became her lifelong passion.

Lorna was a proud Canadian who fully embraced her Scottish heritage. She loved the Southern lifestyle, even the hot and humid summers, and was particularly grateful to the State of Florida for allowing her the opportunity and privilege to become a professional educator. She loved what she did, she loved her students, and it showed. Her dedication is epitomized by the fact that she continued to go to work through her adversity until being hospitalized for the last time, even then taking with her papers to mark, grades to enter and lessons to plan, all of which she duly completed prior to finally losing her ability to do so.

Lorna loved baking, canning preserves, animals, reading, writing, riding her motorcycle, the Toronto Blue Jays and of course spending time with her pumpkin, otherwise known as “the Rachael”.

Lorna was a special person who touched many people’s lives in deep and profound ways. Far too many to name. You know who you are and how much you meant to her.

That being said, she would have wanted to extend particular kudos and thanks to the following: Anita Wright of British Columbia who took Lorna in as a teenager and raised her as her own – you held a special place in her heart; the Cape Coral triumvirate of Diane, Diane and Lisa who were with her until the very end – she always cherished your friendship, support and love; her fellow Western alumnae Bonnie and Andrea with whom she enjoyed many yearly reunions; “Midnight Margarita Cousins” Beverly, Sharon and Charlotte who made the trip “across the pond” from Scotland this past June to reunite with Lorna after far too long apart to enjoy some fun and revelry; Richard and Juanice for your kindness; neighbors Scott, Chrissy, John and Nicki; and Andrea in Fort Lauderdale.

Special appreciation to principal Maura for her compassion and understanding in difficult and trying times and colleague Dr. Rob.

Jim and Rachael would like to acknowledge all the heartfelt cards and letters written by students and former students. They have read each and every one of them and they have provided great solace.

Wonder Woman will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Thankfully, now she is at peace.

Lorna loved parties and was a consummate hostess. According to her wishes there will not be a formal funeral. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 6^th, 2018 at her home in Cape Coral, 1217 NW 15^th Avenue starting at 3:00 p.m. A remembrance is planned for around 4:00 so please be there at that time if possible. There will also be a service in her honor on Saturday, September 29^th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 5265 Placido Road, Englewood, Florida. All are welcome.

No flowers please. Make donations to the cancer research organization of your choice to help find a cure for this horrible affliction, which has claimed far too many lives, far too early.