REMEMBERING – LOLA M. LANGE (NEE SMITH)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lola Mary Lange (nee Smith), on December 25, 2013 in Surrey, BC during her 92nd year. Lola will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Anola Laing, Claresholm, AB; Nadine (John) Miller, Surrey, BC; Debra Lange (Robert Drury), Sidney, BC; her grandchildren Carmen Laing (Rick Ewles), Sonya Laing (Ross Greer), Peter (Christine) Miller, Matthew (Stephanie) Miller, Anne Drury, and Julia Drury, as well as her great-grandchildren Brendan and Keiran Bodner, Alexa and J.J. Miller, Michael and Sophie Miller and step-great-grandchild Justin Ewles; nieces Lori Smith, Tricia Smith and Shannon Smith. She was pre-deceased by her parents Ralph and Stella Smith, ex-husband Ottomar Lange, brother Marshal Smith and son-in-law Gordon Laing. Lola was born in Edmonton, Alberta on April 21, 1922 to Ralph and Stella Smith and while attending high school completed her Royal Conservatory Degree in Music. She married Ottomar Lange in 1943 and moved to Claresholm, Alberta where she actively participated in farm life east of town, while raising three daughters. She volunteered in 4H, the Farm Women’s Union of Alberta and the music program at the Lutheran church. In 1967 she was appointed by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women (RCSW). The Commission was given the mandate to "inquire into and report upon the status of women in Canada, and to recommend what steps might be taken by the federal government to ensure for women equal opportunities with men in all aspects of Canadian society." The RCSW has been described as a catalyst for change of women’s rights in Canada. During the hearings, Lola travelled to all the provinces and territories, hearing from women about their dreams, aspirations and obstacles. Her experiences during this period forever defined her life as well as the lives of her three daughters. After the Commission was complete, Lola moved to Edmonton and worked for Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in Rural and Native Housing. Upon retirement she moved to White Rock to be near her family. Throughout her adult life, Lola shared her love of music in the Lutheran church accompanying regular services, weddings and funerals. She had been a church primary organist for 50 years at various Lutheran congregations before she retired while serving at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. We would like to thank all the caring staff at Rosemary Heights Seniors Village who looked after Lola so well during her final years. A Memorial Service will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350 – 148th Street, Surrey, B.C. on February 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.