COVID-19 claims life of Mississauga nurse

The community is mourning the recent loss of a nurse who had contracted COVID-19.

Lorraine Gouveia, a registered nurse who worked in Peel Region, was hospitalized in Mississauga and later passed away on April 26.

Gouveia was 55 years old.

She was described by her union, SEIU Healthcare, as a “fierce activist, loving mother, admired friend and dedicated to making the lives of everyone she came in contact with better.”

According to her obituary, she leaves behind three kids and five grandkids among other family.

“Lorraine has left us far too soon and we honour her commitment to her role as an RN and for her kind spirit,” said a statement posted by the RNAO (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario).

“This news comes at a time Ontario continues to struggle with exceedingly high case counts, increasing admissions to hospital ICUs, thus transferring hospital patients to nursing homes, and devastating consequences for the families and loved ones of those who die as a result of COVID-19.”

The RNAO is continuing to urge the province to immediately act on all the recommendations of the science table and the various long-term care reports, saying not doing so is “costing lives and hardship.”

Gouveia’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4.