April 9, 1946 - August 25, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Loretta Lamontagne announce the passing of their beloved wife, mother and nana on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the age of 75 years in Creston, B.C.
Loretta was born on April 9, 1946 in Coleman, Alberta to Louis and Olga Salvador and was the youngest of three children. Loretta moved to Creston at the age of one and lived her entire lifetime in the beautiful Creston Valley. As a young girl, she grew up on Crawford Hill and established many friendships that she still treasured today.
Loretta attended school at Creston Elementary and obtained her first job working at the Creston bus depot. When she was a teenager, Loretta met the love of her life, Marcel, in 1962, and they dated throughout her high school years. After graduating from Prince Charles Secondary School in 1964, Loretta attended business school in Trail, B.C. to earn her accounting certificate. Upon returning to Creston, she began working at Shanklin's Accounting Office.
Loretta married Marcel on June 26, 1965 and they proudly raised a daughter and a son in Creston. Special family times included summers at Cummings Resort on Kootenay Lake and many happy celebrations with Loretta's extended family. Loretta was a wonderful mother and homemaker who took pride in making her home warm and welcoming to friends and family.
Cooking, sewing, gardening and volunteering with her children's activities kept her busy as a young mother. She also worked part time at her family's business, Louis Salvador and Sons Ltd., doing bookkeeping in the office.
Loretta later returned to work full time at the School District No. 86 Board Office. Her accounting background, attention to detail and organizational skills shone through during her tenure at the School District.
After her retirement, Loretta and Marcel enjoyed travelling, golfing, gardening and spending time with their four grandchildren. They were always eager to babysit or visit their grandchildren and watch them participate in school and sports activities. Loretta shared a love of shopping with her granddaughters and golfing with her grandsons.
Loretta mourned the passing of her husband, Marcel, in March 2012, after spending nearly 50 years together. Loretta continued to keep active in her community by swimming, walking, practicing yoga and golfing. She enjoyed spending her time at the golf course and was always learning new skills to perfect her golf game.
Travelling with friends and family provided many exciting adventures and opportunities. She volunteered to help local organizations and was a member of her high school reunion planning committee.
Loretta will fondly be remembered for her kindness, grace and compassion. She was a loving wife, mother, nana, sister, auntie and loyal friend. She was dedicated to her family as she took care of others and loved them unconditionally. Loretta will be truly missed by all those who knew her and we will hold her memory in our hearts forever.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents Louis and Olga Salvador of Creston B.C., her husband, Marcel, and her older brothers, Rudy Salvador and Gino Salvador, both of Cranbrook B.C.
Loretta is survived by her daughter Michelle Dolinar (Tony) of Armstrong B.C., son Greg Lamontagne (Lisa) of Wynndel, B.C., her precious grandchildren Emma (Jesse) of Kamloops B.C., Jacob of London Ont, Matthew of Kingston Ont, and Myrriah (Anthony) and great grandson A.J. of Trail, B.C.
Loretta is also survived by her sister in-laws Donna Salvador (and family) and Peggy Salvador (and family) of Cranbrook B.C., as well as many extended family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail and the Creston Valley Hospital for their care and support of Loretta during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a memorial contribution in Loretta's name to BC Cancer Foundation.
A private family service was held on September 2. A celebration of life will be held in 2022 for family and friends to gather and share their memories of Loretta.