Lorraine June Large, 92, of Tampa, passed away peacefully at her home the evening of October 26, 2021. She was born on January 13,1929 in Detroit, MI to Duane and Florence Parkes. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan graduating from Redford High School in 1947. Upon graduation she began working for Grinnell's Brothers in downtown Detroit as a bookkeeper handling accounts payable. She later moved to Tampa, Fl. with her first husband in 1963 where she raised her family.
Lorraine was a part owner and operator of Apollo Beach Mobile Home Park for many years where she excelled in sales and management. Divorced from her first husband, it was there she met the love of her life, Francis (“Frank”) Large, and she remarried in 1979. Lorraine and Frank spent the better part of 20 years traveling the country in their RV. They shared many happy years together until Frank’s passing in October,1998.
Throughout her life, Lorraine was a devoted and loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. She was especially admired and appreciated for her strength, humor, and loyalty. There was never a dull moment when Lorraine was in the room. Lorraine especially enjoyed her time spent weekly for many years with her friends at the Victorian Village in Tampa.
Besides being an avid traveler, Lorraine in her younger years was an excellent golfer, and a bowling league champion. She was an exceptional seamstress and crafter. Her daughters and grandchildren will always cherish her handmade costumes made especially for them for various dance recitals, school plays, and Halloween festivities.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband Frank Large, mother, Florence Parkes, father, Duane A. Parkes, brother, Duane A. Parkes, Jr. and daughter Kim Nord. Lorraine is survived by her daughters and son-in-law and their children; Terri Jean Nord of Tampa, Lorrie & Mark Eilers of Tampa, and their children Travis Eilers of Tampa, Rachel Eilers of Tampa, and Shane Eilers currently residing in Ann Arbor, MI. Alex Heinrich, of Brevard, NC.
Additionally, Lorraine is survived by her stepchildren, Daniel & Marian Large, whom she was especially close to and would brag that “Dan called her every day!” and their children
Michelle (Russ) Funk, David Large, and Brian Large. Karen and Doug Wohlgamuth and their children, Kelly Lewis and Kirk (Diana) Wohlgamuth. Lorraine is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Lorraine was especially thankful for her caregivers and friends including Susie Horn, Dale Affleck, and Dean and Joyce Rostorfer, whom she loved very much. We would also be remiss if we didn’t thank the excellent care given to her by her “Dream Team,” caregivers during her final weeks, Wendy Calloway, Debbie Dale & Susan Blaylock, whom, despite her sassy exterior, she grew very fond of.
Lorraine was a force of nature and a survivor. She battled breast cancer, beat it and went on to live to the amazing age of 92.
The family will hold a private gravesite burial for Lorraine with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. They request in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the American Cancer Society in Lorraine’s name at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html
More information can be found at http://www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com/
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18