Obituaries

KOBITZ, Lorraine Eva (Laura) (Thares)

May 21, 1941 - September 24, 2023

Laura Thares was born in Leader, Saskatchewan to Mike and Aggie Thares on May 21, 1941. She was their 2nd child and eldest daughter. She grew up on the family farm located West and North of Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan. After high school graduation she attended Garbutt business school in Medicine Hat. Thereafter, she joined her sister, Ann, in Maple Creek where they both worked in a bank. It was on a blind date that she met Bob Kobitz and they married in 1961. They moved to Medicine Hat when Bob was transferred and their daughter, Michelle, was born there in 1965. Another work transfer took them to Swift Current, and their son, Mark, was born in 1967 on her Birthday. They made Swift Current their home and Lorraine was a resident until the time of her passing. She is survived by her husband, Bob; daughter Michelle (Michael Zaplitny) of Victoria, BC and 2 grandchildren: Teagan (Chance Payne) and Caitlyn and Scarlett all of Swift Current; and Adam Dyck of Vancouver, BC. She is also survived by her son, Mark, Swift Current and his daughter Kaili (Lance Barnes) and Ayla and Flora of Watrous. Remembering her are her sisters - Ann Frolek (Calgary) and Jean Croissant and brother, Jim Thares (Medicine Hat), and their families. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws Mike and Anna Kobitz; various brothers and sisters in law and her elder brother, Jack Thares. Lorraine worked at various places over the years: Henry’s Bakery; The Met Department Store; Stylerite; Macleod’s; and various hotels. Lorraine was proud to remain healthy enough to work full-time up until the pandemic. Thereafter, she enjoyed retirement. Lorraine was well known for her gardening skills and her beautiful yard with many people stopping over the years to take pictures. In fact, she won a petunia competition for her yard in 1976. Every year she tried something different, and mentioned recently that she wanted to plant black containers with white and gray flowers in 2024. Lorraine became ill in August and was transferred to Saskatoon where it was discovered on September 15 that she had Stage 4 Lung Cancer even though she never smoked. Lorraine was transferred back to Swift Current and she died peacefully on Sunday September 24 surrounded by her family. At her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.