Lorraine B. Zanarini
Died Jan. 11, 2019
TRAVERSE
CITY – Lorraine Beverly Zanarini, 98, of Traverse City, formerly of Northport,
passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at Orchard Creek Supportive Care, surrounded
by a loving community. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her
family.
Lorraine
was born Jan. 21, 1920 in Gillett, WI, the daughter of John and Hazel (Hansen)
Stromer. In Sept. of 1941, she married Emil Zanarini, who preceded her in death
on June 7, 1999.
Lorraine
was a kind and gentle soul who quietly gave herself to others from an early
age. Lorraine’s chosen profession was nursing; she
graduated from Norwegian-American Hospital School of Nursing on Feb. 9th. 1941.
Following graduation Lorraine accepted the position of nursing at Cook County
General Hospital in Chicago, IL and remained there until moving to Michigan
where she and her husband started a family.
Her love
of nursing drew her back into the profession. First to Garden City Hospital,
Garden City where she was head nurse in maternity and the nursery. Next she was
the managing nurse at Clark Nursing Home, in Wayne, and finally, the head nurse
at Nightingale Nursing Home in Westland. Nursing highlighted her kind, nurturing personality.
Lorraine
and husband Emil, retired to Florida in the early 1970’s. While in
Florida, Lorraine’s concern for others drew her to the migrant worker
community. Two to three times a week, Lorraine would travel to a school
specifically for the children of migrant workers, to help them with their
studies. She grew quite fond of the children as she was assisting with their
studies.
Although
quiet, Lorraine enjoyed participating in Tai Chi classes, watching the PBR (professional
bull rider), country music, and trips to Las Vegas with Emil. Highlights for
Mom were attending the finals of the PBR in Las Vegas with her two daughters
and granddaughter Kelly, and country music concerts, again with granddaughter
Kelly. She also enjoyed yarn crafts and used these talents to provide bonnets
and blankets for premature infants and warm watch caps for overseas servicemen
and women. Her sunny disposition and
cheerful smile will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing
Lorraine.
We would
like to extend a very special “thank you” to all the staff at Orchard
Creek Supportive Care and Hospice of Michigan, for creating a caring and loving
environment for Lorraine for the last four and a half years. All have a very
special place in our heart. You made Lorraine happy, which helped make us
happy. Thank You!
Lorraine
is survived by her three children, Jane (Vince) Graham, Judy Fitzsimmons, and
James (Mary) Zanarini; four grandchildren:
Anthony (Sandy) Graham, Cally (Sean) Zanarini-Topel, Gina Zanarini, and
Nicholas Zanarini and three great-grandsons: Mason Graham, Clifford Topel, and
Declan Topel.
She
was preceded in death by her loving husband, Emil, and cherished granddaughter,
Kelly Graham.
Burial
in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be held in the spring.
Memorials
may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway #115
Traverse
City, MI 49684.
Please
share condolences and memories with Lorraine’s family below or on our Facebook Page.
Dear Judy, Jane and Jim,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is over flowing with Joy, to think such a precious embroidered picture was a gift left for me. I will treasure the picture and always be reminded of the kindness and friendship we shared in just three days. You three are such wonderful adult children; it was truly a blessing to see your devotion to your Mom. When the staff were checking for your Mom's pulse, I saw a white cross clutched in her hand and a tear on her cheek. In my memory I will think of her going to be with her Lord, and a tear for saying goodbye for now to her children.
The request was made to open the window in her room.
It was opened....
I have been and will continue to pray for all of you during the days ahead. May God's peace and grace give you comfort, love and Joy. Janet Stretlien of HOM