Thelma Lorraine Matheson
August 16, 1923 - July 16, 2017
Obituary
Thelma “Lorraine” Matheson (Randall), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully at home on July 16 in Des Moines, WA. She was 93 year old.
Born August 16, 1923 in Spokane, WA to Clarence E. and Lucille Randall, Lorraine attended North Central High School and graduated the class of 1942. She went on to work for the U.S. Weather Service in Spokane, WA, where she met her husband Donald “Don” Matheson, who was serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II and who later became a pilot for Northwest Oriental Airlines (now Delta). Lorraine and Don, who passed away in 2011, were married for 63 years and had a daughter Toni Lee Kuresman (Matheson), who also passed away earlier this year.
Lorraine and Don moved to Seattle, WA shortly after marrying and then to the Aleutian Islands with their new daughter as Don’s airline career advanced from ground crew to flight engineer and then pilot, bringing their family back to Des Moines, WA three years later. During her life, Lorraine and her family found pleasure in cruising the waters of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on the family boat and as members of Seattle’s Elks Yacht Club, and later enjoyed spending time with their three grandchildren and extended family.
Lorraine is survived by her granddaughter, Kimberly Kuresman of Bellevue, WA; her grandson and his wife, Dan and Nelly Kuresman of Denver, CO; her grandson and his partner, Ryan Kuresman and Benjamin Underwood of Washington, D.C.; her son-in-law, Michael Kuresman of Bremerton, WA; and, numerous nieces and nephews and their children that reside in Washington, Oregon and Nebraska.
A public viewing, 9:30 am, and funeral service, 12 pm, is schedule for Saturday, August 12 at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lorraine’s life.
I will always remember Lori as a unique individual with a lot of character. I loved listening to all the stories she would tell about her life. What a full life it was.
Lorrie has been a blessing in my life. I will miss her but I am happy she’s where she wanted to be now. I can see her now with Don, watching the mariners game, happy once again. Im glad I was a part of her life and she was able to share so many of her stories with me. I have so many memories I could go on for pages. I will keep them all with me and Lorrie, You will always be remembered.
I will always remember Laurie a woman with a lot of wisdom she was a very special lady and will deeply be missed but she is where she wants to be now, with Don and Toni, finally at peace. I will always remember the many stories she told me and cherish them forever you will be greatly missed but not forgotten
I love stories and Lori bless her heart had a great memory in which in great detail recalled every part!! The first female to work for the weather service. Made her own clothes. Loved cooking. Gardening. She knew every plant in her yard and when and where and how much it cost. She would talk about her boat and their property in southern wa. How Ryan would keep her company even when she was not feeling well. And bowling…….. she had a team!!! Tried to teach a neighbor to drive and another to learn how to ride a bike. Like any female she liked gossip!! And she liked just talking to people. Make friends of all ages she said, because all her friends had passed away , families are wrapped up in their own lives and careers. She had big heart that matched her love for the least of these and cared greatly for several organizations. Lori i am blessed to have met and been called a friend of yours late in your life. Thank you for hugs your smiles your caring heart. I am truly happy for you….. until next time!!