Lorraine Ruth Satchell (nee Arbuckle) was born on February 9, 1939, and passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Hospital on April 29, 2025, following a brief illness, aged 86 years.
Lorraine was the beloved wife of the late Earle Graham Spencer (2018) and was predeceased by her parents William Soloman Arbuckle and Edith Young, and siblings Herbert (Beverly), Eleanor (Bud) and Ross.
Lorraine was a cherished and devoted mother to daughters Cheryl (Marty) and Tammy (Vlad), and a loving and generous Nan to grandsons Matthew (Gloria), David, Jason, Christopher (Helena), Michael, James (Heidi) and Igor, and to great-grandchildren Jackson, Hunter, Walter, Delilah, Krystyna and Alicja.
Lorriane took great pride in being a former banker where she enjoyed a long career with the Royal Bank in Ottawa, and where she made many supportive and lasting friendships. Lorraine started as a teller with the Montreal Road Branch and retired as the Manager of Senior’s Banking at Bank and First. Early in her career at the Montreal Road Branch, Lorriane picked up the nickname “Nan” when it was discovered (to everyone’s surprise) that she was the oldest employee in the Branch. Years later, Lorraine became lovingly known as Nan to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lorraine will be remembered for her love of family, travel with friends, shopping for anything, caring for her beloved cats, and her passion for family history. Lorraine was known for lending her considerable genealogy research talent to people around the world to help them trace their family roots.
We are grateful for the love, wisdom and family stories Nan shared with us and the younger generations over the years. She will be dearly missed. Lorraine will also be fondly remembered by many extended family members and dear friends near and far.
We express gratitude to Dr. Priscilla Bright and the medical team at the Ottawa Hospital for their care of Lorraine.
Interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery following a private family service. You may share memories and messages by signing the digital guestbook on this page.
Lorraine generously supported many Ottawa area charities and in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Ottawa Humane Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Digital Guestbook
Chantal DeBellefeuille
Carol Wills Dicaire
Tammy,
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Vlad and family. Our thoughts are with you ❤️
The Michaud Family
Nan was a very special woman. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your entire family during this difficult time. Wishing you all comfort, peace, and strength as you remember and celebrate her life.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Justin, Dayna, Tristin and Myles
Dawn & Donnie Dunoon
Cheryl, Marty, Tammy, Vlad, and Family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you ❤️.
Dan Mooney
Cheryl, Tammy and families,
Most heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Loved your Mom. She was so good to so many of us in those formative years. Always encouraging us to be our best. Remembering
her tell stories about looking after my grandfather at the bank. She was a wonderful soul.
David
Nan was just so great, and always spoiled the family and especially the grand children. She will be dearly missed ❤️
Edna Marlow & Friends
Dear Lorraine & Family,
So sad to hear of your passing our dear friend and genealogist, Lorraine, who was always there to help us with our family history. We (Patricia Adams, Liz Newberry, Valerie Wright and I, Edna Marlow) met on the Bristol/Somerset List some twenty years ago. The Canadian group often met at the LDS Family History Branch on Prince of Wales Avenue, Ottawa to twirl miles of film searching for our families and then discussing the details with each other. We also had lunch together at the nearby Greek Restaurant, with a glass of wine and much laughter. Another time Liz Newberry of Somerset paid us visits (2006 & 2014) and we gathered again.
We organized a welcome party with many Ottawans on the list in Merrickville as Liz Newberry came to visit us in 2006. We even put down a red carpet. We also met in Ottawa for many of us on the lists. Lorraine was very proud of her family, her Scots, British and Canadian heritage. Please family, do keep her research! Our Lorraine also helped, behind the scenes, with the research for the Stittsville Cenotaph which was put in place in the year 2019. We took part in a Walk to the Cenotaph project and she visited Stittsville and we located where the Scots' Creighton Boys may have stayed in the Stittsville area just before parting for World War l, and their untimely farewell in France. Also enjoyed meals at The Glen and Montana's, with a glass...
We shall certainly miss you, all the help you gave and always with good humour. We shall not forget our wonderful times together. Donation made to Ottawa Humane Society.
RIP dear Lady.
Warm hugs, from us All: Edna Marlow ~ Ottawa, & Friends around the World.
Edna Marlow & Liz Newberry
Steph, Troy, Maeve, and Brynn
What a beautiful tribute to such a special woman! We are sending our love and warmest condolences to you all at this sad time. ❤️
Fred & Shirley Theberge
We knew Lorraine and her family for over fifty years. She was a dear friend and will be sadly missed.
Wishing Tammy Vlad and family my sincere condolences for your loss.