Obituary of L.J Kornaga

July 3, 1955 – Prince George, British Columbia

April 7, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

L.J. Kornaga, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the age of 66 years.

L.J. is survived by her daughter Lara-Ann Lainof La Madrid; her treasured grandsons, Pte. Anthony Owen Lainof and Eden Lee La Madrid, and her son David Lainof and his family Residing in Cochrane, AB. L.J. is also survived by her sister Colleen Criss, and her family in Armstrong, BC, and her brother Dennis Kornaga, and his family in Burnaby, BC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

L.J. was born in Prince George, BC on July 3, 1955. She moved to a family farm in Vernon, BC, where she lived with her cherished mother; her brother and sister until 18 years of age when she went to University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After graduation she then moved to Calgary, AB at 21 years of age, and continued to make notable achievements while building a family-focused life for herself.

L.J. accomplished much through her youth, in sports, academics and social contributions as a judo champion, placed in downhill skiing competitions, was elected Student-body President, head of the debate team, as well as competed and crowned in a controversial beauty competition, all while also working hard on her family farm in Vernon, BC.

She was a proud and active member of Softball Calgary for decades with many teams, tournaments, and championships of which she played, coached, umpired, and organized, proudly represented by her trophy collection and was even approached to play softball in the Olympics.

L.J also had many professional accomplishments in the financial sector as a notable and strong woman executive, in a time where resistance was great, and recognition was rare. L.J. was a fun-loving, strong, persistent, and beautiful woman who lived for her family. Even when her body was broken, her fiery spirit carried her through. She is an inspiration and positive example to so many that love her, and the loss of her physical presence will be missed but the echoes of her larger-than-life spirit will be with us always.

A Celebration of L.J.’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 40 St SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of L.J. Kornaga, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.