January 25, 1927 - August 20, 2023
Lorena (Rena) K. Tuer, age 96, of Stratford passed away peacefully at PeopleCare Tavistock on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Born in Stratford, daughter of the late Lorena (Lucy) and George Ballantyne. Beloved wife of the late Wilfred J. Tuer (1988). Sister to the late Carlyle (Lyle) Ballantyne and survived by her sister Grace Drummond. Loved mother of Gordon Wilfred Tuer (Carolyn) and Carol Kathleen Harrison (Jim). Grandmother of Tracy VanNes (Lawrence), Joseph Tuer, Stuart Harrison (Annie) and Neil Harrison (Samantha); Great-grandmother of Dean VanNes (Jamie), Erin Green (Dylan), Henry Tuer, Samuel Tuer, Cooper Harrison, Nolan Harrison, Olivia Harrison, & Elliott Harrison. Great-Great Grandmother to Devyn VanNes and Walker VanNes. Rena loved her nieces and nephews and welcomed them to the farm for cousin stays.
After high school, Rena worked at a pharmacy adding colour to black and white photos. She married “Wiff” after WWII and they prided themselves on being one of the first to pay off their Veteran’s loan for the farm at R.R.#3, Stratford. Once the children left home, she turned her sights to the passion of her life-sewing! Rena cut, basted, stitched, and later taught for more than twenty years at the Stratford Festival Wardrobe. Many quilted, crocheted and needlepoint projects filled her life not to mention altered bridal gowns, drapes and dresses.
She volunteered with the Stratford Fair Board, the Stratford General Hospital and Knox Church Wig Room. Many of us benefited from her measuring the chef’s uniforms at Rundles’ Restaurant since her “remuneration” came in the form of gift certificates. In 2013, she moved to retirement living at River Gardens, Stratford and as the health challenges increased, she moved to People Care LTC in Tavistock.
The family is grateful to the staff and management at People Care Tavistock for the caring and professional treatment Rena received.
Friends and family may gather at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Monday, August 28, 2023 from 10 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 am followed by a reception. A private family interment will take place in the Avonbank Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the Stratford Festival Foundation through W.G. Young Funeral Home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
