Lorraine Melsted

Peacefully, at home surrounded by her family, Lorraine Carol Melsted (née Bergman) passed away on July 29, 2026 as the sun was setting. 

Lorraine will be forever missed and cherished by her beloved husband of 59 years, Arni, sons Brent (Kathy), Brad (Melanie), Shawn (Melissa), and Trevor; grandchildren Jessica (Lukas), Stephanie, Sara (Hunter), Braedin (Katharine), Lavery, Gracyn (Paisley), Colton, Ari, William, Andrew, Tyler and James; Auntie Amma to Tegan, Ethan and Sawyer Bergman; brothers Ken and Rick Bergman; in-laws Mary Bergman, Betty Melsted, Albina Macintosh, Hjalti and Julie Melsted, Fjola Ledingham, and Graham Dunning; Auntie Lolly to numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was predeceased by her loving parents, Joe and Sella Bergman; her in-laws, Laugi and Lina Melsted; brothers, Ragnar and David (Mary Anne) Bergman; siblings-in-law, Disa (John) Treble, Runa (Louis) Isfeld, Laugi Melsted, Oli Melsted, Axel (Eleanor) Melsted, Douglas Macintosh, Allison Ledingham, and Kristine Dunning, as well as her hardest goodbye, beloved nephew Kyle Bergman.

Lorraine was born July 2, 1948 in Arborg to Sella and Joe Bergman.  She was the second child to older brother, Ragnar, and younger brothers, David, Ken and Rick. 

As a child, Lorraine attended Jaroslaw School and then Riverton Collegiate. Lorraine was an active student partaking in school sports such as volleyball, basketball, track and field, and even baton throwing. She had a large circle of friends that remained strong to this day. She will be deeply missed by cherished friends, Jona and Elma.

Lorraine met Arni at a social in Arnes hall in October 1965. They married October 15, 1966.  They wasted no time starting a family as Brent was welcomed in 1967, Brad in 1969, Shawn in 1972, and Trevor in 1974. Arni and Lorraine took over the dairy farm in Hnausa in 1972. Living on the farm provided many opportunities for the family. The boys were blessed with a life full of farm adventures, many baby animals graced the farm and the kitchen (against her wishes)! Lorraine and Arni hosted trainees from overseas, and fondly remembered Jakob and Fiona. The farm became a central gathering area for neighboring children; David, Janice, Kevin, Kyle, Charlotte and Jackie spent many hours on the farm. Lorraine was an avid hockey mom - not only was she at every practice and game for her sons, she also coached them and their friends, and the years she wasn't coaching, she was still more dedicated than the coach!

Rare as it was, when the kids were older they did get a few opportunities to travel. They enjoyed traveling with Kristine and Graham, and Hjalti and Julie. They enjoyed trips to Disney World (without the kids), Vegas, Arizona, Mexico and BC, in later years, they visited with Jessica in Alberta, and Sara in Nova Scotia. Lorraine made her dream trip to Iceland in 2012 with Jessica, Ragnar and Mary.

In 1993, Lorraine and Arni were over the moon when their first grandchild Jessica arrived.  Lorraine was thrilled to have a little girl to spoil.  Soon after Stephanie arrived, and Lorraine loved nothing more than taking the girls to town and showing them off. Grandchildren kept arriving and Lorraine kept spoiling.  Sara, Braedin, Lavery, Gracyn, Colton and Ari.  Lorraine loved spending time with the grandchildren.  She loved baking with them and for them, vinarterta, pönnukökur, doughnuts, and her favorite bean soup and bread. She travelled all over for her grandchildren's events - whether it be for sports, award ceremonies, performances, and more - especially making many trips to Thompson to see Braedin and Lavery after they moved there in 2011. Lately as her health deteriorated, visits by the grandchildren were a highlight for her.  Lorraine loved having visitors and she appreciated each and every visit. While our hearts are broken, she has left a lifetime of memories we will cherish.

Lorraine was a Wife, Mom, Amma, Auntie, and an extraordinary Family Historian. She will be missed beyond measure.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the home care workers, especially Betty, Ava and her palliative care nurse, Lindsay, who all shared a special connection with her.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Arnes Hall.

Góðan nótt, elskan, ég elska þig að eilífu

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haga Cemetery or CancerCare Manitoba.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements