Lorraine Frank
July 30, 1937 - July 12, 2006
Obituary
Celebration of the life of Lorraine Hite Frank
Born in Pittsburgh PA-July 30,1937
Died in Seattle, WA July 12, 2006—68 yrs young
Memorial Service:
New Heart Worship Center
33415 Military Road South
Auburn, WA 98001
Sunday July 16 at 3PM
Potluck following. Bring a salad or dessert if you wish.
Lorraine- A loved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Lorraine was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 30th 1937. Twenty-one years after the day that brought Lorraine into this world, she found herself fulfilling her lifetime dream of marrying a Pastor, Richard Eugene Frank. About a year after they married, Lorraine gave birth to their first of seven children. Tammy, Trina, Mike, Kevin, Tanya, Ian, and Adrian all grew up in the quaint town of Waterford, PA. The Frank household was known for its endless hospitality and ministry to whomever needed it. Lorraine Frank had a heart that seemed bigger than most. She walked in humility as she lent her hand to ones in need, and she selflessly gave whatever she could.
Lorraine was trained as an RN, at Presbyterian Hospital, in Pittsburgh, PA. She loved nursing because of the wonderful ways she could serve and comfort people. Her favorite aspect of nursing was when she had the opportunity to work in the maternity ward. Bringing little ones into the world was something that never failed to bring her joy. Lorraine’s work as a registered nurse not only assisted in saving lives, but it also gave a large financial assistance to raising seven children.
In 1983 Lorraine and Richard felt God calling them to pack the family and move to Seattle, WA; a place where God was truly moving. So in high hopes for a great education and strong spiritual growth for her family she supported and encouraged her husband to make the big decision to move. She quickly made numerous friends and maintained these relationships for many years. As years passed Lorraine and Richard welcomed eight grandchildren into the world, she adored them thoroughly and loved spending time with all of them. Mark, Mathew, Stephanie, Rachael, Patrick, Carly, Kaitlyn and Wyatt
She delighted in hearing loved ones life stories and was always ready to offer a hug to the hurting and shed a tear with the sad. Just knowing that she was blessing someone was enough for her.
At Wesley Homes for the elderly, she was thrilled at the freedom to minister spiritually and in prayer, without restriction to her patients. This proved to be several of the most fulfilling years of her life.
In retirement years, Richard and Lorraine felt led to volunteer at Christian Renewal Center, just outside Portland Oregon where both were able to utilize their Spiritual Gifts and talents. She continued utilizing her gift of hospitality and love for people. Washing windows, kitchen duty, cleaning, and caring for children, she cheerfully gave wherever she was needed.
I was very saddened to learn of the death of Lorraine Frank. She is the mother of oldest and dearest friend, Trina. I remember Mrs. Frank as a soft-spoken, very kind lady; a devoted mother. Her children are all tributes to her love and guidance. I wish all of her family comfort and the time to remember special moments shared with her. I’d also like to share a beautiful Native American story I ran across not too long ago entitled “Mother”…
The young Mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is this the long way?” she asked. And the guide said: “Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning.” But the young Mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So, she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”
Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the Mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.” And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the Mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, “A little patience and we are there.” So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, “Mother, we would not have done it without you.” And the Mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I’ve given them strength.”
And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the Mother said: “Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.” And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, “This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God.”
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the Mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And Mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.” And the children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.” And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: “We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence…”
Your Mother is always with you…She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she’s crystallized in every tear drop. She’s the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space…not even death!
MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED…
Dear Mom,
So much to say, we really didn’t think you would be the first to go.
It’s amazing what we take for granted , really.
I just hope you are in a beautiful place right now. I can’t begin to communicate just how much you deserve God’s biggest castle.
You lived your life constantly striving to serve God better, and be an example of Him for all of us.
I have always described my mother as a selfless person, who raised 7 children tirelessly, but never raised her voice. I don’t know of a single time that I ever saw you buy anything for yourself.
I used to get annoyed with you, when you gave our food away to people that needed it more, now I understand, you were modeling Christlike behavior.
I hope you knew just how much you were loved. Because I know , for one, that I never said it or showed it near enough. Why does it take a death to force us to feel our emotions.
You taught me humility and grace. I used to tell people I may have come from a humble upbringing, but my mother taught us etiquette enough that I could properly dine with Queens and Kings.
You taught us , through your constant example, that it’s much better to give than to receive. No body outgave Lorraine. Not many people have less than you had , but you always gave generously. We invaded all your things, just to find glimpses of you to cherish. We found your to do-list for the days leading up to your death.
Mop floor, clean bathroom, phone calls, and bake pies for the new neighbors
You were near 70 yrs old, and we didn’t realize just how fragile you were. I think you were forever 50 in our minds, the strong and vital matriarch that formed the epicenter of all family activity. I wish I had taken better care of you.
Dad is really missing you. You guys endured 50 yrs together, but I suspect he too, didn’t prepare for life without you.
We miss you horribly, I wish we could see your heavenly accommodations now, and the warm glow on your face, as you sit at the feet of the God you so fervently served all of your life. So that we can rejoice with you, that you have finally reached the place you always dreamed about.
You sent me an e-mail the day before your passed. It was excerpts from an interview with Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life. They were asking him how his life changed now that his wife has cancer.
“People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond, in a nutshell, life is a preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop and that will be the end of my body, but not the end of me. I may live 60-100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act—the dress rehearsal that God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity”
Did you know Mom, that you were going home this week?
Your “dress rehearsal” here on earth gave many, many people a wonderful reflection of our eternal life.
We will take better care of each other now, Mom. I know that if you are allowed to have a concern in heaven, it would be for the health and welfare of each one of your children and grandchildren and your loving groom.
We will honor you the rest of our lives, by taking better care of ourselves , of each other and re-dedicating our “dress rehearsal” to God.
We love you deeply, and we will cherish your memory for the rest of our natural lives, until we join you in Heaven.
We will miss Lorraine’s loving, gentle presence. She was always eager to give encouragement and affirmation out of the great mercy and compassion the Lord had so generously poured into her. Our hearts weep for your family’s loss, but we also canonly think of the delight Lorraine iss experiencing, as she stands in the presence of Jesus. She loves Him with such abandon. You will be held in our prayers, and in Father’s arms, as you walk the days of adjusting to life apart from your dear Lorraine. We love you very much and share in your loss. Blessings to all of you.
We will miss Lorraine’s loving, gentle presence. She was always eager to give encouragement and affirmation out of the great mercy and compassion the Lord had so generously poured into her. Our hearts weep for your family’s loss, but we also can only think of the delight Lorraine is experiencing, as she stands in the presence of Jesus. She loves Him with such abandon. You will be held in our prayers, and in Father’s arms, as you walk the days of adjusting to life apart from your dear Lorraine. We love you very much and share in your loss. Blessings to all of you.
She was the only sister I have ever had and I loved her dearly. Even tho she was my sister-in-law, she was more like a sister to me. She was an Angel sent by the Lord for many many people. I will miss her terribly. My heart and prayers goes out to Dick and family during their time of sorrow of their loss of a wonderful and gracious lady with a heart of gold. I miss and love you all and feel so badly that I couldn’t be there with you. God Bless You
Looking back with joy that our Lord Jesus sent Lorraine into our lives to love us with a godly unconditional love. She so desired to know Jesus more and more and be a chanel of His love to others.
We have wonderful memories of trips, dinners and praying together for our families.
She prayed that all of her family would make themselves available for Gods best in their lives. Along with you we find it hard to believe that she is gone and wish she could of stayed longer. Thank you family for sharing with us. Remember Our Lords will for you is good. He loves you more than you know how to love yourself and has wonderful plans for the rest of your life.
Pretend each day that Lorraine is watching and cherring you on in your journey together with Jesus.
When Gayle heard she cried and said she was my best friend.
Our love and prayers, Larry 4 us 2.
Remember – Father knows best. Matt. 6:33
Dear Uncle Dick and Family,
I wish so much I could be there today with you to Celebrate the home coming of Aunt Lorraine! I know she is up there right now praising God with Tom and would as Tom did want for all of us to go on about the plan’s God has for us here in this temp. place for now. Until He takes us home. The faith we all have in Jesus and share the love for Christ will help us to understand that and rejoice as we celebrate her going to be with the Lord. She was such an inspiration to all who ever knew her or even just knew of her. But the human side of us will also long for at times and miss her very dearly that is the reality of our life here for now and I understand that first hand. That is why I lift each and every one of you up to the only one who can fill that void in your heart, The Lord! Please let your Faith in Him strengthen and draw closer to He as well as one another in these times of sadness for that will allow no room for the Darkness of evil things to erode your thoughts and bring you into despair as I went through the first year after my loss of Tom and that was a year wasted not being able to be used by God to serve Him in the way He had planned for me. I love each of you an miss you all very much. Please keep in touch and I will do the same. My prayers and thoughts are with you all daily.
Your Neice God Daughterand Cousin Charla Polk
I was so sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. I did not know her personally, but she was a font of information in our genealogy research. My grandmother was a Hite and Lorraine and I were somehow related. She will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so sad when I heard about Lorraine. She was always there for me when I needed her comforting words and prayers when I was going through tough times. I will miss her terribly and also the e-mails sent daily. My prayers are with all of her family. She will be missed by so many people who were so blessed to have her touch their lives.I loved her very much.