It is with great sadness that the family of Lorna Evelyn Boyko (née Ross) announces her passing on September 4, 2025, at the age of 82.
Lorna will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 57 years, Ernest (Ernie) Boyko; her children Cynthia (David) and Stephen; and her cherished grandson Gabriel. She is also remembered fondly by extended family, many lifelong friends, and countless former students and colleagues whose lives she touched.
Lorna was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn (née Chase) and Robert Ross, and by her beloved sisters, Sandra and Nancy.
Born in Aylmer, Ontario, on May 13, 1943, Lorna was the eldest of three daughters. From a young age, she showed a passion for cooking and fashion, designing and sewing many beautiful garments—including her own wedding dress.
She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Home Economics in 1965, followed by a teaching degree in 1966. Lorna married Ernie on December 26, 1967, after first meeting at university. The two were inseparable for 63 years.
In 1969, they moved to Ottawa and later settled in Chelsea, Quebec, where they made a warm and welcoming home in the Gatineau Hills for more than 30 years.
Lorna began her teaching career with the Western Quebec School Board in 1969, educating generations of students at Philemon Wright High School and Hadley Junior High until her retirement in 2004. She taught a variety of subjects—including Foods and Nutrition and Housing and Design—and was appreciated by students and colleagues alike. She was always delighted to run into former students and hear about their lives.
Beyond the classroom, Lorna was the kind of person who always lent a hand to a friend in need. She was a gracious hostess, an exceptional cook, and a woman for whom food was truly a love language. She also loved to travel and was a voracious reader, but her greatest joy came from creating a welcoming home and gathering family and friends around the table.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at the Civic Hospital, Queensway-Carleton Hospital, and Bruyère’s Saint-Vincent Hospital for their dedicated care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ottawa Food Bank. Messages of condolence may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca
Digital Guestbook
Heather Oudit
Rosaleen Fedak
Ernie, Cynthia, Stephen and family.
So sad to hear the passing of our dear friend Lorna.
Eternal memories.
Andrea Lockwood and Yves Menard
Our very deepest sympathies to Ernie, David and the family on their very great loss.
Judith Hampton
One could not have asked for a better friend than Lorna, thoughtful, helpful, reliable. I will miss her wise counsel and encouragement.
Rhéaume Laplante
My deepest condolences to the family. A great lady to remember.
Don and Gloria Royce
Our deepest condolences to Ernie and the Boyko family, . May you be comforted by knowing that others are thinking of you at this time.
Antoine S. Terjanian
Dear Ernie and Family
Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss.
We regret not to be with you for the celebration of Lorna's life as we have a planned trip to Armenia.
Warm hugs to all of you
Terjanian Family
George and Pat McLaughlin
May your joyful memories give you comfort. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Susie Dumouchel McIntosh
Our deepest condolences to the family. Fondest memories at Philemon Wright. Was kind, she had patience and an enjoyable time in her class. Design & cooking. Thank you
Lorraine and Peter Lys
Words cannot convey the sorrow we feel over the loss of our dear friend and a wonderful person. Memories of time spent with you and Lorna will always be cherished. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time..
Deepest condolences to you Ernie and to your family. I had the pleasure of teaching along side Lorna for a number of years in the Home Ed Department at PWRHS, and keeping in touch after retirement. She will certainly be greatly missed.