Obituary of Dr Lorna Houseman

Dr. Lorna Iris Houseman

(December 2, 1955 – May 8, 2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom and grandma, Dr. Lorna Iris Houseman on May 8, 2024 at RUH.

Lorna was born on December 2nd, 1955. Lorna spent her early years in Kerrobert and moved to Saskatoon following high school graduation. Lorna studied dental assisting at SIAST and worked as a dental assistant for several years. It was through dental assisting that Lorna met her husband, Dr. Ross Houseman. Ross was in his first year in the College of Dentistry at the U of S, where Lorna was assisting.  Both Lorna and Ross described their first encounter as “love at first sight”, with their first date taking place the same day they met.

Lorna and Ross were married on July 23, 1982. At this time Lorna was studying dentistry at the U of S. When Lorna graduated from the College of Dentistry in 1983, she was eight months pregnant; earning her the record of “most pregnant graduate of the College of Dentistry”, a record we still believe holds today. Gary was born shortly thereafter. The following years were busy. Lorna began practicing dentistry along side Ross at Dr. Houseman & Associates. Lorna and Ross welcomed their daughter Natalie in 1985.

In her professional life Lorna was well regarded. Her patients bestowed the title of “most gentle dentist ever” on her. In her personal life Lorna was a devoted wife. She not only worked alongside Ross at their dental practice but assisted him in the construction of the family cabin on Houseman Island at Lac La Ronge; anyone who has visited will know was no small feat. Lorna was an amazing cook who made delicious stews and traditional German shupfnudeln. Lorna was a loving mother to Gary and Natalie, attending countless hockey games and dance recitals. She was truly her children’s biggest fan and took great pride in their many accomplishments whether they be academic, sporting, or personal. Lorna was a much-adored grandma to her grandchildren Kadence, Kristian, Kallie and Brooklyn. Her greatest joy came from spending time with them, whether it was attending their activities, volunteering at their schools, singing nursery rhymes or just lending a listening ear; Lorna loved every second of it. Her grandchildren were the centre of her life, which was demonstrated when she took on a special role in the upbringing of her oldest grandchild Kadence. Lorna was very much looking forward to meeting her fifth grandchild who will be joining the family next month.

Lorna enjoyed travelling. In addition to spending time at numerous hockey rinks across Canada, Europe and the US cheering on Gary, the family travelled to Hawaii, Disneyworld, Germany, Mexico, Czech Republic, Ireland, Holland, and the UK. She was skilled in the arts of stained glass and needlepoint. Lorna’s needlepoint Christmas stockings will be cherished by her family for years to come. Lorna was an avid reader and gardener. She liked listening to AM radio, whether it be the news, talk shows, or broadcasts of the Blades and Rough Riders games. She enjoyed shopping with Natalie and Kadence, always picking out the perfect gifts for others – something which gave her great joy. Most of all, Lorna loved spending time with family at the family cabins at Emma Lake and Lac La Ronge.

Lorna will be forever remembered for her unwavering kindness, commitment to her family, selflessness and gentle disposition. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Cecilia Dvorak. Lorna leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 41 years, Ross, her son Gary (Kirsten) and granddaughter Brooklyn, her daughter Natalie and grandchildren Kadence, Kristian and Kallie, as well as her dogs, Koda and Angel.

A celebration of Lorna’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada.