Lorraine Mary Barak, age 71, of the Kipling Location of Gladstone passed away on Friday morning, June 5th, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Lorraine was born January 26th, 1938 in Kipling, the daughter of John and Josephine (Marinac) Barak who were Croatian immigrants to Delta County.
She was a lifelong resident of Kipling and was a 1956 graduate of the Gladstone High School where she was named valedictorian of her class. Lorraine began working for Mead Paper Co shortly after graduation and she remained there all her working life until her retirement as a purchasing agent.
Lorraine was an active and faithful member of All Saints Church and demonstrated and lived her Christianity through many quiet acts of charity and kindnesses to family and friends. However, it is no secret to family and friends about her love of animals. Lorraine was known to assist any stray animal with professional medical care, food, and love. There was always room in her heart for another distressed animal in addition to her own pets.
Lorraine was proud of her of her Croatian and Kipling heritage and she proudly displayed her legal Michigan license plate,
Anonymous
When I was about 8 and staying at Nona’s Lagina’s Lorraine rode up on her bike with eggs for Nona. She was a big kid. 5 years older then me. When Nona called her baba (her pet name for me) I was crushed. I didn’t want Nona to like her as much as she liked me. Silly story but what I remember most about Lorraine
Rosemary (Vardian) Neuhaus
Sonoma, CA
My mom, Janet Tolman, was very said as she told me yesterday of Lorraine’s passing. She said Lorraine was her best friend all through school and a truely wonderful person. She said how Lorraine helped my mom with her studies and that they walked to the bus together everyday. She will be greatly missed. God Bless
Patty Tolman LaCrosse
Sheboygan Falls, WI
I got to know Lorraine when I became a member of the Mead bowling team in the early 70’s.She was one of the most caring and dedicated individuals I have ever known. Her committment to caring for her parents and animals was amazing.
I remember how she enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas and her jewelery. We all lived nephew John’s growing up years as she talked about him all the time-she loved you so much John.She was always willing to care for stray animals at any cost and ended up with quite a menagerie.
I know there are many friends and of course her church who will miss her presence deeply.
In sympathy & prayer,
Jenny & Greg Hansen
Sebastian, FL
Lorraine will be sadly missed by her classmates. She was quiet and polite and someone you could care about even without a close relationship. I’m sorry I could not attend the visitation but I will always remember her and her kindness.
Greta (Johnson) Arntzen
Escanaba, MI
when i was a lil girl, i loved hanging out with lorraine. i would go to her house with her, cut up apples, carrots, and other goodies, and we would go in her back yard and feed the deer. i also remeber when she used to walk our dog. i would go with her many time and we would walk on the tracks behind our houses. she was a great woman and had a heart of gold. i will never forget her as the kind woman she was. i love her and i know she is happy where she is right now. she will never be forgotten. i will pray for her and all of her family.
love,
Ashley Carpenter
Gladstone, MI
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I worked with Lorraine for many years at Mead and we became good friends. I’m an animal lover so we had many conversations and laughs! She will be missed by many. My sympathies during these difficult days.
Kim (Coyne) Havinga
Escanaba, MI
Lorraine and I worked together for many years in the purchasing department at the Mill. She was a very dedicated employee who would take note of the tanker car numbers while driving by the railyard on her way to work in the morning and could tell you exactly where a railcar was located when she needed to have it unloaded at the Mill. She taught me some of the finer points of bowling and I will always remember her stories about Tuffy and Susie. Lorraine was a good person with a kind heart and will be missed by many.
Carol (Girard) Swanson
Gladstone, MI
I have so many good memories of my dear friend. Started working with her at Mead in 1960 and we’ve been friends since then. Have so many memories of the many Wisconsin bowling tournaments we went to yearly and the bowling parties we held at the local bowling establishments. What fun and laughs!! Joe (Duke), I remember visiting you in Muskego and your entertaining us. How she would tell me she would talk to you for an hour or two about “nothing”. She was a “great” friend and she will be missed. I’m sorry I can’t be there but I’m so glad I was able to talk to her when she was in the Marquette Hospital and she was so looking forward to going home.
Elaine Burak
Grand Rapids, MI