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
Joseph Akl
Wendy Watkins
Sending love and condolences to all the Boyko family. My heart is with you.
Carmen Robitaille
So sorry for your loss Ernie! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jackie Godfrey
My sincerest condolences Ernie.
Monique Laviolette
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. Nice description of a life full of energy and love. May you find peace Ernie and family. Thinking of you! 💐
Michael Evans
Ernie. So sorry for your loss. Micheline and I send you and your family our sincere condolences.
Nick & Farnaz
Our condolences to you, Ernie, and to your whole family. We were very sorry to hear this news. She will be missed – Lorna was such a lovely person, always positive and bright.
Carole Ann Murphy & Massy Evans
Dear Ernie and family,
It is with sadness that we have learned of Lorna’s passing. We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
The Ottawa Home Economics Association
Lorna was a valued Home Economist whose education, teaching experience, interests in family and community life exemplified. Her friends within the Ottawa Home Economics Association will miss her dedication to the profession. An active member for many years ─ especially as part of the sewing team at our annual "Hat Day" sewing bees, making fleece hats for several Ottawa charities. A donation in Lorna’s name has been made to the Canadian Home Economics Foundation and Lorna will be remembered at the Ontario Home Economics Annual Meeting in 2026. We send sincere condolences to her family.
The Ottawa Home Economics Association
Maria Parij
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you, Ernie, and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Lorna one time only in Edmundston NB while you were making your way to PEI and your spouse left me with an ever lasting impression of kindness.