We Remember

MCDONALD, Lora
October 26, 1933 — April 21, 2025
The family and friends of Lora McDonald are deeply saddened to announce her passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in Kelowna, BC. Lora was predeceased by her loving husband, John, on May 7, 2021. Lora is survived by her stepson, David McDonald and granddaughters, Chauny/Kaitlin; by her nephew, Brien Hansen (Bryan), and niece, Leslie Risling (Kelly); great-niece, Kelsie (Corey); and close friends Brian & Janina Thompson of Calgary, AB along with Rick, Peggy, and Lois of Kelowna.
Lora was born on October 26, 1933, in Hanna, AB to Oscar and Emilie Hansen. As a child, Lora was incredibly studious and academically inclined. She was a master pianist at a young age, faithful to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hanna, AB, and enjoyed playing the organ at both German and English services.
As a young woman, Lora had her sights set on a life outside of Hanna. She graduated from the University of Alberta Nursing Program and worked as an RN in Hanna, Red Deer, and at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Lora also worked in London, Ontario and in Santa Barbara, California. Lora was also the nursing administrator for Dr. Howard McEwan in Calgary, for a number of years. Being adventurous and between nursing assignments, Lora purchased a rail pass and ventured to Europe, where she met many new friends and became acquainted with relatives.
Lora’s work ethic and talent enabled her to excel at a number of vocations after nursing. Lora obtained her real estate licence in Calgary and began another successful career. Later, she obtained her brokerage licence and worked with Merrill Lynch and Wood Gundy where Lora served her clients diligently and excelled as one of only a few female brokers. Lora finished her varied career with several years working with CIBC selling Mutual Funds and training sales associates.
Lora married the love of her life, John McDonald, on February 14, 1981, and they enjoyed 40 years of a wonderful life together, travelling to Arizona and Hawaii and supporting one another in their successful business, Rusco Industries, in Calgary. In 2005, John and Lora relocated to Kelowna, BC to further enjoy their retirement years and Lora’s exquisite taste in art and furnishings was readily apparent in their beautiful home. John and Lora loved auctions, beautiful and unique jewellery and amassing a wonderful Barbie doll collection, all of which Lora thoroughly enjoyed.
Lora, you will be missed.
Lora will be laid to rest in Kelowna along with John in early summer 2025. May you reunite with John and rest in peace.
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