Skanes, Lorna Jean (nee Martin)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lorna Skanes (nee Martin) at the young age of 74. She left us unexpectedly, but peacefully, and surrounded by the love of her family, on October 21, 2025, at Health Sciences North, in Sudbury, Ontario. Lorna was a lifelong resident of Elliot Lake.

Lorna will be forever missed by her devoted husband Alan of over 54 years, and her two sons, Mike (Liz) and Mark (Melissa). She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren —Nangoons (Will), Emma Rose, Lucas, Molly, Joel, and William, of whom she was very proud —and by her great-grandson, Liam, whom she treasured. Her brother, Ted (Denice), and her sister, Marlene (Barry), along with many nieces and nephews, and numerous treasured friends, also share in the family’s grief over this tremendous loss. Lorna is pre-deceased by her parents, Bill and Jean Martin of Elliot Lake.

An accomplished educator, Lorna served as an elementary school teacher and principal in Elliot Lake, Blind River, and the North Shore, where she impacted the lives of thousands of students and colleagues throughout her long and successful career. While she enjoyed her retirement, she always missed the schools, classrooms, and teaching.

She was always welcoming to all, usually with a delicious meal or a drink. Lorna’s favourite thing was being at the cottage with family and friends and watching Lake Duborne capture the late-day sun or staring at ‘a beautiful fire’. Lorna was an avid bridge player and a lover of games in general — especially with the kids, where she spent many hours laughing hysterically around the kitchen table as she made memories with them. She loved puzzles, gardening, watching baseball (Go Jays!), curling, live music, reading and attracting the birds so they would fly by and say hello in the afternoon.

A gathering of family and friends and a service will be held for Lorna at The Moose Lodge in Elliot Lake on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1 to 3 pm, with a luncheon to follow. The interment will take place at 1 pm on Monday, November 3, at the Woodlands Cemetery in Elliot Lake. Please feel free to join the family at that time if you wish.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The Canadian Cancer Society or The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada in Lorna’s name ([email protected]).

https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/tribute-flowers…

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give