Lorna May (Ratcliff) Waterman Obituary (1930 - 2025)

Lorna May Waterman of Port Hardy, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, at the age of 94, following a brief illness. Born in the remote coastal town of Bella Coola on September 25, 1930, to Charles Francis (Frank) and Laura Ratcliff, Lorna was shaped by the rugged beauty of the British Columbia coast--a landscape she cherished throughout her life. During her childhood she was known as an avid reader and gifted knitter. At the age of 18, shortly after graduating high school, Lorna moved to Vancouver to care for her recently widowed grandmother. It was her grandmother who taught her to crochet. Coming from a small, isolated community, she had to quickly adapt to city life and made many lasting friends in the Vancouver Adventist Church. Her faith was a guiding force, and she was baptized on Christmas Eve, 1949, at age 19. Lorna met her beloved husband, Andy Waterman, through their shared church community. Their deep faith formed the foundation of their marriage. Andy proposed on May 5, 1956, and they were married later that year on October 2. Together, they raised three children: Diane, Nadine, and Warren. In 1964, the Watermans moved to Port Hardy, where they became one of the founding families of the local Adventist church. They remained there until 2005, when they relocated to Blind Bay to enjoy their retirement on a peaceful acreage filled with fruit trees and a large garden. In 2018, they moved to Salmon Arm to be closer to their church community. Following Andy's passing in February 2023, Lorna returned to Port Hardy to live with her son Warren. She rekindled old friendships, remained active in church life, and continued her cherished handwork projects. Lorna will be remembered for her generous heart, her many books, vivid storytelling, and culinary gifts. She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter, and gardener. Her fruit pies, whole wheat bread, and German chocolate cake were family favourites, and her handcrafted blankets, Christmas stockings, and tissue box covers continue to be treasured by those who received them. Many will remember her literary interest and the books she gifted them. Lorna is survived by her children: Diane and Kimmo Mornesten of Stockholm, Sweden; Nadine Waterman of Fremont, California; and Warren and Tammy Waterman of Port Hardy. She also leaves behind her brother, Glen Ratcliff of Bella Coola; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Lorna's legacy of faith, kindness, and creativity lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.