Lorraine Dorothy MacKay

On Thursday, July 24, 2025 surrounded by family, Lorraine Dorothy MacKay, 86, left her loved ones on earth to rejoin those she loved who left before her, those who created a lifetime of memories.

Daughter of the late Floyd and Dorothy Smith, a childhood of happiness began in her beloved home on Great Hill, Brooklyn, NS with her brothers and sisters, who she adored.

Lorraine truly loved her childhood with her mom, dad, brothers Doug and Herman and sisters, Madelyn, Thelma and Janet and shared memories until her last days. Some of Lorraine’s favourite stories were walking to school from a very young age ( sometimes through the path in the woods), playing baseball in the field by their house, walks to the gravel pit, days spent back at the dam, their dog Blackie visiting them at school and barking until Doug or her would walk him home (reluctantly) and enjoying the simple life of childhood on Great Hill.

As Lorraine grew older she married her first love and father of her children, Gifford Fralic who would tragically leave his young family behind at the age of 26. Together, Lorraine and Gifford had 3 children, Brian, Donna and Gifford who she loved with all her heart. It was her children who would carry her through the hard road ahead and ensure she found happiness on the other side of tragedy. Lorraine would often tell stories of her children growing up. She often talked about how Brian shared her passion for reading which continued into adulthood, how Donna would always help her around the house (especially in the kitchen) and how Giffy would always keep her young and on her toes because she just never knew what he was up to.

On July 31st 1971, Lorraine would marry the second love of her life, Archibald (Archie) MacKay and the two of them with their children by their side would have a wonderful life together. Together, they build their home on the water where Lorraine resided until just recently becoming too ill to be at home. Lorraine’s home was her pride and joy and she was so thankful Donna, Kirk and family would reside next to her so she could continue to enjoy her home. Lorraine and Archie (Arch) would always enjoy the outdoors together and could often be found skiing, biking, swimming, skating (those who were lucky enough to see them skate together knew it was magical) and working in their beautiful yard. Although Lorraine would lose her second love, she would always talk about the lifetime of memories they made. The time spent with their grandchildren, Hailey, Callen, Thomas (Tom-Boy), Kendall, Wally, Amy, Jonathan (Jon-Boy), Kaitlin, Jenna, Jill and Michelle as Nanny K were some of her fondest memories. The house was never quiet or lacking children as there were many sleepovers, nights spent watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, trips to the shore to hunt for seaglass, road trips to the valley and the lake, sharing her love of reading, teaching the art of crocheting, berry picking, early Christmas morning visits and sharing her famous chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk (which were always the hit of the Smith Family reunions and will be thoroughly missed - along with her famous rolls) were just some of her fondest memories.

Nanny K was fortunate enough to have 17 great grandchildren who adored her. Lorraine also had many honorary grandchildren as well. She became Nanny Raine to all the children who Donna babysat next door over the years and they were just as loved as her own.

As Lorraine grew older she could often be found comfortable at home reading a good book, working in her beautiful gardens, knitting and crocheting for all her family and the babies of the IWK, taking pride in mowing her yard up until her early 80’s, watching her beloved Toronto Blue Jays and most importantly spending 16 years with her beloved best friend, Jake. Jake was her pride and joy and a true companion who was always by her side bringing her happiness and joy into her later years.

While our mother, mother-in-law -Kirk, Tinie (Sue Ellen - her forever daughter-in-law), grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law - Shirley, Garnett, Bill, Bernie & Lori, aunt and friend will be thoroughly missed and many of us will continue to look to her bathroom window to see if she is there to say a quick “hello” or “goodbye”, we all know she is at peace and free of pain which was our greatest wish for her. We hope she has found her way to her many family and friends who have gone before her and that she continues to impact those she loved the most.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral home, Liverpool, NS. A graveside ceremony will take place at Brooklyn Seaside Cemetery on August 5th, 2025 at 11:00. Donations can be made to a charity of choice in Lorraine’s name. Online condolences may be made below.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff members at Queens General Hospital, friends, family members for all of your support for our beloved mother (grandmother) in her final days.