Obituary of Loretta Rosalind Tolofson

Loretta Rosalind (Nelson) Tolofson, affectionately known as Lori, was born on December 28, 1947 in Kinistino, Saskatchewan (SK). With family and close friends by her side, she peacefully departed this world on November 28, 2023, at the age 75, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth.

Loretta was born to Oluf and Violet (Campbell) Nelson.  Though she faced the early loss of her mother, Violet, at the age of 4, she was blessed with the love of Marjorie (Watt) Nelson, who became a caring mother to Lori and her six siblings.  Besides a few years spent in Prince George and Nanaimo, Loretta primarily grew up on the family farm near Kinistino. Being raised on the farm, she learned the values of hard work and resilience, traits she carried with her throughout her life. Farm life also brought an old, well-loved, farm dog named Trigger.  Although Oluf’s dog, he was protective of the children, particularly Lori. In her early years, Loretta attended school in British Columbia.  When the family moved back to Kinistino, she attended both Viking School and R.J. Humphrey High School. Loretta’s favourite class was Home Economics in which she received top marks.

Loretta’s work ethic surfaced early, when at the age of 17 she started her first job with the O.K. Economy in Melfort. She worked there for 5 years as well as worked a year at Dodd’s Meats.  On February 25, 1967, Loretta married Roger Tolofson.  In 1971 Roger and Loretta moved to Quesnel, B.C. where they built a life together, marked by hard work, shared projects and the construction of four beautiful homes. During this time, Loretta worked a year for Dunrovin.  Then, in 1977 she started a 27-year career with Overwaitea Foods, later Save-On Foods, demonstrating her dedication and hard work. Work and homelife were important to Loretta.  She was not only Roger’s partner in life but also his reliable companion in numerous projects, showcasing her talent for painting and her ability to turn a house into a home.

Family was at the core of Loretta’s heart. Her warm smile, gentle disposition and generous spirit endeared her to all who knew her.  Loretta enjoyed having company and had a beautiful way of making people feel welcome in her home.  No matter the weather, Loretta could often be found outside taking care of her yard.  The summer brought mowing and tending her flowers, while, winter brought shoveling of the dreaded snow. It was rare to find her sitting unless it was to play Carcassonne, marbles or a game of cards.  Her dedication to preserving family history led to scrapbooking where she recorded details, dates, and milestones, which spoke volumes about her commitment to her family. Whether caring for her yard, tending to her roses, feeding the hummingbirds or taking pictures, Loretta lived with purpose.  She embraced life with an unwavering strength and resilience. 

Roger and Loretta had three children, Rhonda Rowan, Kim Tolofson and Malanie Besuijen (Tim).

Loretta is survived by her children, Rhonda, Kim and Malanie; her grandchildren, Darian, Kieran, Ryan, Emily, Nathan and Beka; her brothers, Barrett (Susan), Geordie (Tara) and sister, Janet (Rick).

Loretta was predeceased by her mother, Violet (1952); brother, Jackie (1960); sister, Jacqueline (2010); mother, Marjorie (2011); sister, Joyce (2012); husband, Roger (2014) and father, Oluf (2020).

A memorial service will be held at Tranquility Gardens, Saturday, December 9, 2023 @ 1pm.  All are welcome.