Lorna Margaret Loughnan

31 January 1927 – 22 October 2026

At 92 years of age, returning from yet another overseas cruise, Lorna Loughnan had just one complaint.

“It was a wonderful trip, but everyone was so old,” she declared.

The average age of her fellow passengers was reportedly 75.

It was a remark that perfectly captured the spirit of a remarkable woman who never let age stand in the way of adventure.

Lorna Margaret Loughnan passed away peacefully at Warrina Aged Care on October 22, aged 99, just months shy of her 100th birthday.

Family and friends gathered for her Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Yarrawonga, on October 29, before she was laid to rest at Mulwala Cemetery.

Her niece, Annette Clancy delivered the eulogy, with fond recollections shared by niece, Rachael Clancy and nephew, Jared Loughnan.

Born in Mulwala in 1927, Lorna was one of nine children of Joe and Lena Loughnan.

Like her siblings Bernie, James (known as Digger), Betty, Jean, Roy, Kevin (known as Dempse), Valda and Noel, Lorna attended Mulwala Public School.

Growing up during the Great Depression, money was scarce, but the family home was filled with music, laughter and love.

Her mother was a talented pianist who led a family band performing at local dances.

Lorna became a competent classical pianist herself and, with Vlada, was a member of the Yarrawonga Choral Society.

Lorna’s only surviving sibling, Noel Loughnan recalled that all the Loughnan children were proud of the significant part their father played in having the Mulwala Explosive Factory located in Mulwala, where Lorna began her working life, eventually becoming secretary to its chief executive.

Following the deaths of her father and mother, at a young age Lorna decided there was a world beyond Mulwala waiting to be explored.

In 1954, after answering a newspaper advertisement seeking travelling companions, she boarded the SS Stratheden bound for England.

It was the beginning of an extraordinary lifetime of travel.

Her government employment experience secured her a position at Australia House in London before she ventured to Canada, working in Toronto and later at the famous Banff Springs Hotel in the Canadian Rockies.

Eventually settling in Mosman, Sydney, Lorna lived frugally for the next 63 years, saving every spare dollar for her next overseas adventure.

Over the following decades, she visited countless countries, with cruising becoming her favourite way to travel.

A devout Catholic, she visited many religious sites, including Lourdes, Vatican City and the Holy Land, the latter being her favourite journey, a trip she shared with local Parish Priest Father Junjun Amaya.

Despite her travels, Lorna always returned to Yarrawonga for Christmas, arriving with suitcases full of exotic treasures and fascinating stories.

Her nieces and nephews eagerly anticipated her visits, particularly the slide nights showcasing her latest adventures.

Summers included waterskiing with lifelong friends Flo and Bert Foster at Cypress Gardens.

Though as her family fondly recalled, it was probably fortunate for everyone that Lorna never learned to drive.

In 1990, aged 63, Lorna returned permanently to Yarrawonga, where family gatherings, particularly Friday afternoon teas at the Clancy home, became treasured occasions.

An enthusiastic talkback radio listener, Lorna made headlines of her own in 2017 when she told ABC presenter James Valentine she had attended the Ed Sullivan Show when Elvis Presley first appeared. Her story was so fascinating that Valentine recorded a podcast with her.

Known for her infectious laughter, colourful and often mismatched outfits, and endless curiosity, Lorna was always interested in everyone and everything.

Even after moving into Warrina Aged Care, she continued walking into town and attending Sunday Mass.

When asked the secret to her long and healthy life, Lorna simply replied, “Keep active and eat lots of veggies.”

Lorna is survived by her brother Noel and lovingly remembered by generations of nieces and nephews.

She lived 99 extraordinary years filled with faith, family, friendship and adventure.

And wherever her final journey has taken her, one thing is certain, Lorna will be making friends, sharing stories and probably still being the last to leave the party.

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