Lorraine Alice Sanford
February 7, 1925 - November 28, 2014
Obituary
Lorraine “Liz” Alice Sanford peacefully went to join the Lord on Friday morning, November 28th 2014. Lorraine was born in Spokane, Washington on February 7, 1925. She is survived by her two sons; Michael, Kevin and his wife, Lorraine; foster daughter, Debra Guillaume; grandchildren, Terri, Kenneth, Sean, Kathleen, Amy, Gabriella, Steven (Tyler), Sarah, Jonathon, Joseph and Alex; a great granddaughter Evyn; a brother Gerald Wood of LaCenter, WA and several nieces and nephews. Her husband Bernard “Bernie,” sons Terry and Brian preceded her in death. Lorriane was a Past Worthy Matron of Southgate Order of Eastern Star Chapter #190, Charter/Life Member of Burien Court 86 Order of Amaranth, Daughters of the Nile, West Seattle Shine Club, American Legion, Women Marine Association and several other organizations.
She proudly served her country in WWII as a member of the United States Marine Corps. She was very active in the Stephen Ministry program at John Knox Church for several years. She loved the outdoors and camping with family and friends, her love of music and the theater she carried with her, teaching tap dancing and hula to grade school children and professionals throughout her life. She worked as the office manager for Leonard Builders for many years gaining the love and respect of her peers.
She has lived well, laughed often and loved much. She has gained respect of intelligent men and the love of children. She has filled her niche and accomplished her task. She leaves the world better than she found it; whether by improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. She never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty, or failed to express it. She looked for the best in others, and gave the best she had…
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 (her 90th birthday) at 1:00 pm at Bonney-Watson Memorial Chapel, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac WA 98188 (206) 244-1787.
We will all miss the beautiful woman who we loved so much.
To The Sanford Family,
It saddens me to read about Lorraine’s passing. Something that helps me cope is found in the bible. It assures us God is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. (Psalm 34:18) More than anything else, a relationship with God can help you to cope with the death of someone you love. May he be with your family today and the months to come. I hope everyone Lorraine touched can find comfort in these words.
Sister Lorraine was such an integral part of the Southgate Masonic family. I had the honor of holding my first office as one of her star points. I will now have the honor of presiding Worthy Matron during her funeral service.
And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the parting be temporary and the meeting eternal.
Alas, we have lost another link in our Golden Chain.
We will all miss Lorraine. She had so many friends in her
Masonic Life as well as church. She loved to dance the hula whenever we had a Hawaiian Night for so many years.
As a member of Amaranth we would all say “Sweet in our
Memory”.
I will miss Lorraine very much. She always made me feel welcome even though I did not make it to meetings of Eastern Star that much as I am in school and have a lot of studying to do. I also know that my mom Sandy Trent will miss her to as they were the only woman I believe that had served in the military and had that bond.
Mom Sanford… was someone very special to me, I met her through the Demolay Sweetheart program… She was the most beautiful person I have ever met. She was a teacher, full of life, a 2nd mom to me during my Sweetheart years. I always felt welcomed at her home and the Love she shared with each of us will never be forgotten! I will miss her very much!
My sweet Aunt Lorraine, I will miss you so much, also I will miss those strawberry pancakes you made me . Love you.
Your in good Hands now. Praise The Lord.
Aloha A hui hou Mom Sanford!
You brought lots of love & laughter, smiles & so many memories to so many of us over the years…you are one in a million, will always be in my heart forever! one of your favorite quotes “I love you more then you love me, I love you….”
see you one day in heaven and we can sing and dance the hula once again!
A hui hou!
Lorraine ‘ s passing has left a hole in our lives. I know she is finally feeling better and is happy to be reunited with her family in heaven. My condolences to the family. I am very sorry not to be able to attend the memorial.
I will always remember your class, your humor, and the way you protected YOUR girls from creepy boys (like me).
We love you, Liz!
Gordy
Aunt Rainey… You will be missed!
savid & I always enjoyed Lorraine’s humor & company. Her & Bernie traveled with us as Deputy Instructors. She never let David forget the kindness he showed Bernie when Bernie forgot his tie one meeting. David had all the other escorts take their ties off that meeting. Bernie didn’t feel so conspicuous that evening. She never forgot that kindness. In fact, when we went to Bernies funeral, she told David to take his tie off. We loved that Lady. God Bless her & her family.
A Band of Sisters, we are called and rightly so. For ours is a kinship of the Spirit; and the ties of the Spirit which bind us are as strong as the ties of blood or birth. This Spirit- this Esprit de Corps, is the common heritage of all who, like us, have been Marines. It is epitomized in our proud motto: Once a Marine, Always a Marine. It recognizes no barriers of time or place of rank or station. It lives in the loving reverence in which we hold the memory of those who, having served beside us, have finished their course and answered their final muster.Throughout our lives, we hold them in our hearts and prayers. This, then, is that pause of loving remembrance which strengthens and renews the ties that bind us, one to another as friends and Marines. In Loving memory of our dear Sister. Semper Fidelis
The Women Marines Association
It’s funny how life is. I was a good friend of Brian’s when we were in junior high and high school a long time ago. Of course, I lost touch with the family after he died. I’m certain that you will understand why. I came across Lorraine’s obituary because I was thinking what a good friend he was to me. I can still remember his sense of humor and his wide, broad smile. He got that from Lorraine. I remember Lorraine (always Mrs. Sanford to me) as a very kind and elegant woman (my god but she could rock a formal gown in those days) with a wonderful sense of humor and a good, kind soul. If I happened to stop by when Brian wasn’t home she would make tea and we would talk, just talk about what ever was going on that day. I always felt as though she were truly interested in what was going on in my life, as if I were the only person in her world just then. I will cherish my memories of her for the rest of my life. I am truly grateful to have known her. She was an inspiraron to all who knew her.