Lorraine K. Kanaga

Lorraine K. Kanaga, 90 years of age, of Harbor Beach, MI, died on September 27, 2010, at Hiland Cottage Hospice in Petoskey, MI. Lorraine was born in Saginaw, MI on August 24, 1920, daughter of Frank Brieske and Sadie Sobecki Brieske. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Harrington Kanaga; her brother, James Brieske; her brother, Kenneth Brieske; her son, James Bruce Kanaga; her niece, Susan McKinnon; friend, Dallas Geyer; and friend, Franklin Wismer. She graduated from Harbor Beach High School, Class of 1938. She attended the nursing program at University of Michigan, Class of 1941. On July 4, 1941 Lorraine married Robert Harrington Kanaga in Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. They resided in numerous places in Canada, the United States, and Germany while Captain Kanaga served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and later the U S Army Air Corps/U S Air Force before, during, and after World War II. In 1945-1951 while residing in CA, they built what is now the Redlands City Airport. After her husband died in 1956, Lorraine worked as a nurse at the Harbor Beach Community Hospital and later worked for 29 years as a social worker and supervisor for the Huron County Department of Social Services. Lorraine was very active in various civic and community organizations. She served as a board member for the Michigan League of Human Services, the Harbor Beach Community Center, and the Huron County Nature Center. She was twice president of the Huron County Chapter of the Federation of Women`s Clubs. She was a member of the Harbor Beach Garden Club and two community Bridge clubs. Her hobbies included traveling, gardening, reading, Bridge and Scrabble. She is survived by her sister, Helen Seavey, Morro Bay, CA; son, Robert Kanaga and his wife, Cynthia, Ft Worth, TX; son, William Kanaga and his wife, Barbara, Tawas City, MI; grandchildren: Brian (Suzanne) Kanaga, New York, NY; Kristen Engle, Colorado Springs, CO; Emily (Brian) Sherman, Paradise, CA, and Eric (Kristin) Kanaga, Arcata, CA; two great-grandchildren: Micah Engle and Keanna Engle; three nieces; two nephews; and the children and grandchildren of Franklin Wismer. Lorraine was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Father William Spencer will officiate the memorial service at OLLH on October 22, 2010 at 11:30AM with interment following at Rock Falls Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to: Huron County Nature Center, the Harbor Beach Library, or Hiland Cottage Hospice of Petoskey, MI. Lorraine will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for her exuberant spirit, generosity, and kindness. The family was delighted that she lived to celebrate her 90th birthday. Local arrangments are being handled by Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach.

Lorraine K. Kanaga

August 24, 1920 - September 27, 2010