Lorraine Frances Firmature

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Kevin Gladson of Bellevue, Nebraska; twin daughters Christine Firmature of Encino, California and Kathleen Wood of Pasadena, California; six grandchildren, Vanessa Gibson of Los Angeles, California; Kirstin Gladson of Bellevue, Nebraska; Christopher Gladson of Silver Springs, Maryland; Michael Gladson of Bellevue, Nebraska; Donald Joseph Wood (D. J.) of Pasadena, California and Joshua Hunter Wood (Hunter) of Pasadena, California and one great grandchild Olivia McCrossin of Bellevue, Nebraska.

Lorraine was born March 22, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Emil and Mary Hakel. She was the second of four siblings, and is survived by her sister Dorothy Wenninghoff of Council Bluffs, Iowa and brother Emil Hakel Jr. of Whittier, California. Her older sister, Mary Maxine Francis of Omaha, Nebraska preceded her in death. She was formerly married to Samuel (Sonny) Joseph Firmature of Omaha, Nebraska (now deceased).

Lorraine graduated from Creighton University, and began a prestigious career as a Registered Nurse specializing in Obstetrics (Labor & Delivery), for over 40 years. She worked as a Registered Nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, the office of Dr. Francis Romie in Canoga Park, California, Women’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, and finally, West Hills Hospital in West Hills, California where she retired at the age of 65 with the love, respect and gratitude of hospital administrators, doctors, peers and patients.

Lorraine enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling (the ocean was her favorite destination), and was an avid reader (a book a day!) her entire life.

Lorraine loved collectibles such as Hummel figurines, stamps, coins, and plates and graciously shared many of her precious items with family and friends throughout the years.

The wake (rosary) was on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gates Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303. The telephone number is 818-348-3354. The funeral will be on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 12:00 PM. This funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 22021 Gault Street, Canoga Park, CA 91303.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to One Generation, 17400 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, California 91406.

Lorraine was deeply loved by her family and friends, and will truly be missed.

Park, CA.