Lorraine E. Harrington

Lorraine Harrington was a compassionate woman. She was a friendly lady and she had a way of making people feel comfortable around her whether she was at work or play. Lorraine 's heart could be seen by those she loved and that made her well respected by her family and friends. She loved her family dearly and her strength and devotion made her the Rock of the family.

While the United States was celebrating a time of temporary peace following the First World War, Mark and Irene (Brown) Fox were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Lorraine , born to them on January 18, 1927. Lorraine was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended school at Saginaw Arthur Hill High School . She went to school through the eleventh grade and was a musically talented student during her school years. She devoted time to perfecting her skills by practicing the tenor sax and piano, which she played beautifully as a young girl.

One night in the fall of 1945, while riding in a car with some girlfriends, Lorraine met a young man named Robert. Robert was hanging out in another car with his buddies when their paths crossed. The next night, the two met again at a dance and the rest was history. Six months later, on July 12, 1946, the young couple decided to tie the knot. They were married in South Bend, IN , by the justice of the peace. That day did not go exactly as planned because they had all the necessary documents except for the marriage license. Miraculously, by 11:00 p.m. that evening, they were finally married and they were able to head to Saginaw for their honeymoon. Robert had borrowed his father's car, which meant that they were supposed to be back by Monday morning so his dad could get to work. They didn't quite make it back in time, but eventually, they were forgiven.

Lorraine was so happy when she and Robert began to start a family of their own. The births of her four children were the four greatest days of her life. Sharon, Susan, Robert Jr. and Sally were deeply loved and nurtured under Lorraine 's care and supervision. Family had always been the most important thing in Lorraine 's life. She looked forward to taking charge of all the family gatherings. She was an amazing cook and was most famous for her homemade and truly delicious pies. She was even known to share her pies with friends and especially, Doc Connell, the local veterinarian who was a family friend. He would come to the family home and check the horses and other animals. After completion, he was treated with a cherry pie. Christmas, Thanksgiving and every other holiday were well celebrated together as a family. As the children grew up, they blessed Lorraine and Robert with nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Lorraine held down many jobs throughout her life, however, her last job was working at Russ' Southside Restaurant. When she wasn't at home doing her own cooking, she enjoyed Russ' olive burger and rhubarb pie. Lorraine also spent her time doing volunteer work. She was a volunteer at the former Douglas Hospital . She was also a member of the Daughter's of the Nile and generously helped her husband with the Masonic Lodge. Robert played the trombone in the Shrine Band and they spent time traveling with the band. Lorraine also made her self available to sell tickets for the Shrine Circus. She had a dog named Gypsy who she brought many times to the Resthaven Care Center for the patrons there to enjoy.

Some of her favorite pastimes revolved around music. She loved Dixie Land , the old gospel quartets and Country music. Her favorites were the gospel songs. The song, "Count Your Blessings", reminded her of all the good things in her life. Lorraine knew how to relax. She and Robert owned a twenty-six-foot boat fondly referred to as The Sweet Lorraine. It wasn't cruising out on the waves that Lorraine enjoyed, but rather, just relaxing on the deck of the boat. Many afternoons Lorraine enjoyed picnicking on the boat while gazing out at the beautiful lake. If the lake happened to be as smooth as glass, Lorraine and Robert would consider taking Sweet Lorraine for a ride. Another way Lorraine would wind down was by watching television. She had fun watching game shows like, Jeopardy, The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. She also liked the Johnny Carson Show, I Love Lucy, and watching Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. Lorraine was also an avid BINGO player for many years.

Lorraine 's fifty-nine year marriage to her beloved, Robert left her family with an inspiring example of love and life. Their devoted marriage shows us all that while one person can have a profound effect on another, two people joined together in holy matrimony can have an influence that will span generations. Besides being a devoted wife, Lorraine was a woman who took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The successes in their lives were a great testimony to her parenting. Lorraine 's friendly personality and devotion to others will be remembered and she will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Lorraine E. Harrington age 78 of Holland , died Saturday September 24, 2005 at Resthaven Care Center . Surviving is her husband Robert of 59 years; children-Sharon and Ken Vander Molen of Saugatuck, Susan and Evert Dykhuis of Holland, Robert Harrington Jr. of Douglas, and Sally and Rochelle Brown of Holland; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brother-Michael Telgenhof of Fort Myers, FL; sisters-in-law-Doris and Charles Skinner of Holland, Sylvia Harrington of Lynn Haven, FL, and Marie and Paul Johnson of Holland; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Community Church of Douglas, 6780 Wiley Road; Douglas, MI, with the Rev. Dennis J. De Witt officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens . Visiting will be 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel. Please visit Lorraine 's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory, order flower on-line or make a memorial contribution. Contributions may be made to a memorial of your choice.