Lorraine G Richard

Lorraine Lanoue Richard, surrounded by her devoted family, entered into eternal life on March 10, 2013 at Kobacker House, Columbus, Ohio. Lorraine was born on November 19, 1923 in Kankakee, Illinois to Leonard D. and Blanche (Lambert) Lanoue. On August 11, 1946 she married Rene Richard and they were blessed in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his death in 1996. She began her career in sales and management at Sears in Kankakee. Soon after hiring, Sears promoted her to Department Manager of Women’s Wear. After her marriage, Lorraine chose family and home as her life’s work and devoted her next sixty-five years to nurturing and enjoying her family. Lorraine's foremost value was her love of God, family, friends, and those she met along her way. The adage “To know her is to love her” suited Lorraine perfectly. Her singular charm was a blend of radiant personality, kindness of spirit, caring heart, delicious sense of humor, true beauty and style – altogether making her irresistible to those who crossed her path. Her laughter was infectious, lightening those around her who couldn’t help but join in her merriment. She was blessed with many friends through the years including a circle of former childhood playmates. During all of her adult years in Kankakee, Lorraine treasured this group’s frequent evenings of fun and sharing. But her outreach wasn’t limited to family and friends. She frequently gave her undivided attention to individuals who might never see her again but, for a brief period of light-hearted conversation, she was their friend and they parted feeling the world a better place. Lorraine took delight in many activities. She relished stimulating conversation and the mental challenges of bridge. She particularly liked books, films, music, and travel – among her favorite destinations were France, Italy, and Alaska. In some of her later years, she enjoyed winter months in Arizona. During her last days her family took comfort in her gentle smiles and the twinkle in her eyes. Her family and friends will remember Lorraine for her unconditional love, her seasoned wisdom, her warm smile, and her true inner and outer beauty. She taught her family and many others priceless lessons in how to live and how to die with grace and courage. She is survived by her six children: daughter and loving caregiver Carole (Harold) Heiss of Worthington, Ohio, son Greg Richard of Wayne, Illinois, daughter Kris (Emory) Schmidt of Adrian, Michigan, daughter Beth Richard of Springfield, Missouri, son John Richard of McKinney, Texas, and son Marc (Sherry) Richard of Shawnee, Kansas; brother Leonard (Paulina) LaNoue, Houston, Texas, sister Marjorie (Elwood) Colehower, Miami, Florida, and sister Marie (Ernest) Berns of Chandler, Arizona; eight grandchildren: Matthew (Diana) Heiss, Nathan (Erika) Heiss, Brandon (Morgan) Heiss, Jay (Megan) Schmidt, Meredith (John) Kaplan, Emily Richard, Raquelle Richard, and Johnny Richard; and four great grandchildren: Katherine Heiss, Lauren Heiss, Christian Heiss, and Fox Richard. Her family would like to thank the caring staff at Worthington Christian Village where Lorraine called home for the past eight years. The family would also like to thank the caring and comforting staff of Kobacker House. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lorraine's life will be held on Sunday, March 24 from 2:00 – 4:30 at Worthington Christian Village. A private burial of her cremains will take place at the L’Erable Catholic Cemetery in Illinois. You may share memories of Lorraine or send condolences to the family at www.schoedinger.com. In lieu of flowers, Lorraine's family requests memorial contributions be made to the Employee Christmas Fund at Worthington Christian Village, 165 Highbluffs Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43235. Arrangements by Schoedinger Worthington Chapel.