Marie Lorraine Martin

Lorraine was born May 12, 1931 in Portland, Oregon.

She graduated from St Mary’s Academy in 1949. She completed 1 ½ years study at Marylhurst University.

Lorraine is survived by her brother, Father Bill Adams, children Nancy Bood (Roy), Shirley Pillster (Jim), Jim Martin, Paul Martin, Mary Porter, grandchildren Matthew, Erik, Daniel, Kendra, Lauren, Kiefer, Blake, Stacie and Laura, great-grandchildren Karrington, Sawyer, Owen, Blake, Olivia, Max and Leon.

Her life was one of adventure! Having been born during the Depression, jobs were scarce so her parents moved their small family to Alaska in 1934 after hearing from relatives that there were jobs in Alaska. The family lived in Fairbanks in a tiny wood cabin for about 10 years before moving back to Portland.

Many of Lorraine’s favorite memories are of her youth in Fairbanks. These include waking up in the morning with blankets frozen to the wall in winter; that it was great fun to be outside in the winter except you couldn’t make a snowball because the snow was too dry. Every day on her way to and from school in winter she would stop inside the post office to get warm as it was well below zero outside! She would walk with her “little” brother Bill once he started school, Lorraine would smile and talk about playing with and watching her brother who was 6 years younger.  

Life brought challenges to her. As she shared with her brother, “you know you do what you gotta do through the rough times in life.” Lorraine was strong and able to live life fully under all circumstances.

After retiring from working in the insurance industry, Lorraine enjoyed traveling to England and throughout Europe. One of her favorite trips was to return to Fairbanks, Alaska with her brother to visit the area from her youth.

She enjoyed volunteering at her local church, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. She was an involved member of the church community - besides volunteering, she sang with the church choir for many years. Music brought her joy.

 Lorraine was a loving mother and grandmother. She celebrated every holiday with decorations and her homemade cookies. Her family has many happy memories of time spent with her. She was always happy to offer a cup of tea or a grilled cheese sandwich!

Lorraine was known for her smile and welcoming personality. She will be remembered and greatly missed!