OAKLAND – Lorraine went to her Lord on May 7, 2024 at her home on the “Hill” a short but courageous, horrific battle with cancer. She was adored by all that cared for her. She showed so much courage.

Lorraine was the second daughter to Oneal and Edwina Gendreau. Born on May 29, 1958 in Waterville. She grew up on Libby Hill with her four sisters and foster brother. Lorraine would follow her father as he tended to the animals or garden. She was a self-proclaimed” tomboy”.

Lorraine was educated in Oakland, graduating class of 1976. She attended Catholic church as a child and has been active in her adult life at the Methodist Church in Oakland. Lorraine always enjoyed talking about her high school days and friends over the years.

Lorraine and her husband enjoyed “Camparamas”, bike parties Blues Fests, close friends and gatherings. Old campers and motorhomes are fond memories of a full life.

Home on the “Hill” was where her heart was. The garden, pigs, chickens, and work on the “Hill” were all the center of her life. Her husband on one side of the yard and she being on the other side, seemed like the best recipe to succeed.

Lorraine was employed by Diamond Match of Oakland for a short time, then moved to California to work for Safe way Stores as a cashier and stock person from1978 to 1982. She returned home and worked for Hathaway Shirt Company until 1995, when she went to Sappi Fine Paper to fill in as a temporary worker and retired in 2005 as a recovery operator.

She enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, fiddlehead gathering, gardening, and photography. Garage celebrations, bean hole beans dinners and lobster cookouts.

Lorraine was a woman of faith who lived a simple life of giving. She was a compassionate “quiet giant” who would help anyone she thought who was in need; whether it be at the community lunch at the church or making prayer shawls she quietly excelled. She had many talents whether it be from taking photos with her camera to finding fiddleheads, growing a garden or turning a pile of yarn that she turned into a beautiful shawl.

She was a driver of the Sunshine Club for the visually impaired for over 14 years. Lorraine was a proud Union member who always set an example to others. Lorraine was fortunate to spend all but a few years here on her beloved ‘Hill” and to pass away only 50 feet from where she was married. A life well lived. This lady will not be forgotten by those she has touched. She passed away with her beloved husband by her side and she lived a complete rewarding albeit shortened life full of love, compassion and giving.

She was predeceased by her sisters Marilyn Wing of Oakland, Sharon Gendreau of Oakland.

She is survived by her husband and soulmate of 40 years, Kent; sisters Gloria Ripley of Oakland and Deb Poirier of Embden, foster brother, Mike McCadoo of Rome; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. June 8 at the Methodist Church, School Street, Oakland. Join us for refreshments after the service at church. Family will gather after on the “Hill”.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations, in Lorraine’s name, to the Kennebec Humane Society in Waterville.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Obituary: Dorothy S. Fowler

Next »

Obituary: Lois Lee