Lorraine Stevenson

Those who knew and loved Lorraine Stevenson have so many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. The common threads throughout her tapestry of time were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds that sets her apart from the rest. Lorraine was a woman of high morals and values who realized that there was nothing more important, more lasting or more rewarding than her relationship with her her children, family and friends. Those she leaves behind will consider themselves blessed for having her touch their lives.

The decade of the Roaring Twenties were a fantastic period in our nation’s history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of jazz, the golden age of industry and above all, a time of plenty. For Leo and Helen (Rudzinski) Victor of Holland, Michigan, it was a time of celebration for their family as they welcomed the birth of their first child on December 9, 1926, a beautiful daughter they named Lorraine. Little Lorraine was later joined by two younger siblings, Ken and Shirley, who completed the Victor household. Lorraine enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, growing up in Holland. Her family was members of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and she received her elementary education at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. She went on to graduate from Holland High in 1944.

Lorraine was in her early 20s when her life was about to change. She and her two younger siblings were attending Bingo at church just before Thanksgiving when she met Bob Stevenson and he offered her a ride home. She could only accept, however, if her brother and sister could come along too. Bob was a bit annoyed by the time he got them home, perhaps because of all the giggling that came from the backseat the entire way. Still, fate was on their side, and a romance blossomed between the two over their courtship of a year and a half. Lorraine and Bob were happily married on May 7, 1949, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. The newlyweds then journeyed to Hambleton, West Virginia to see the town Lorraine’s father was born in.

After settling into married life for a time, Lorraine and Bob filled their hearts and home with the joy and busyness of four children: Jim (who was born in 1956, and adopted by them in 1957), Nancy (1960), Tom (1963), and Sally (1964). As a mother, Lorraine exemplified all the things a mother should be - patient, caring, generous with her time and unconditional with her love. She was a constant support and encouragement to her children, and the successes in their lives are a great testimony to her parenting.

Once her children were in school, Lorraine held various positions outside the home including working in the office at Chris Craft. She eventually took a job at Haworth, where she remained until retiring. Once Bob and Lorraine had an empty nest, they began to travel more extensively, visiting breathtaking places like Hawaii and Alaska. Lorraine was also active in her church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where she was a charter member. As a couple, she and Bob were also members of the 50 Plus Club.

For Lorraine, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren unconditionally. She dedicated herself to her family and tried to never overstep her boundaries. She cherished every moment she spent with her grandkids, and gave them her full support in all their endeavors. Her love, dedication, and faithfulness are the legacy she leaves for her beloved family.

Lorraine Stevenson, age 84, of Holland, MI passed away on Friday, October 21, 2011, in Holland Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stevenson, and her brother, Ken Victor.

She is survived by her children: Jim and Nancy Stevenson of Saginaw, Nancy and Rick De Mol of Holland, Tom and Kathy Stevenson of Paw Paw, and Sally and Ron Lamer of Zeeland; eight grandchildren: Nathan, Brendan, Christopher, and Daniel Stevenson, Holly Schofield and Kasey Ellis, Lisa Eisman and Paul Lamer; eight great grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and John Macqueen of Hastings; and her nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Avenue, with Father Charles Hall officiating.

Visiting will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, at the Northwood Chapel of Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland.

Please visit Lorraine’s personal memory page at www.dykstrafuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory and sign her online guest book.