Lyla Claire Strange

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mother who passed peacefully away on April 10, 2023 at The Health Sciences Centre with her loving family by her side, Lyla Claire Strange (nee Thorne).

Predeceased by her husband Gordon Strange, her mother and father Rita and Robert Thorne, brother Gordon Thorne and her brothers-in-law Fred Roach, Ol O’Brien and Ed Manning.

Left to mourn, her daughter Wanda Furlong, her son Lew Strange (Roxana), grandchildren Krysta, Julia (Tienelle) Evan, Megan (Keith) and Morgan (Brad), great grandchildren Tristan, Keira and Wyatt. Her sisters Ruth Manning, Sylvia Roach, Glendine Dillon (Tom), brother David Strictland (Betty), and Barbara Tilley (Evan’s Mom).

Lyla in her younger years was a dedicated employee of Bowrings, where she met the love of her life Gordon. Lyla and Gordon started their family and from then on Lyla became a loving and committed housewife and mother. She enjoyed the simple things in life; reading, crosswords, game shows and spending time with family. She had the most gentle soul, always smiling and had such a positive outlook, and her love for life was contagious, making anyone who spent time with her feel the same. Being diagnosed with ALS was a shock, but Lyla stood strong and her bravery in accepting her fate was admirable. Her positive outlook stayed strong until the end. Her absence has left a huge emptiness, she will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A special thank you to the staff at 5NA HSC for their exceptional care and compassion during her final days. Also along her journey, a special thank you to Torbay Estates where she lived happily for 32 years. Lyla referred to Torbay Estates as “her little piece of heaven.” To the staff at St. Clare’s 7 East where she had a lengthy stay, the nurses and workers made every day enjoyable with laughs and light heartedness, especially Jackie Dyer. A loving and special thank you to the Hamilton Family who were there to help and bring extra love and laughs to Lyla when needed. To North Pond Manor, Torbay for their empathy and care.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 1- 9 p.m. A funeral service and burial will take place at St. Nicholas Church, Torbay on April 15, 2023 at 10 a.m., for a celebration of life for Lyla and Gordon Strange. For those who cannot attend, a live stream will be available at St. Nicholas Facebook page. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully appreciated and may be sent to St. Nicholas Church, Torbay.