Lorraine Marie Rankin's Obituary
Lorraine M. Rankin
Lorraine Marie Rankin, age 89, died peacefully in her sleep on May 19, 2014. Lorraine was born on February 2, 1925, in Verona, California, the daughter of Jose F. Vieira (from the island of Pico, Azores) and Louise Taxara (from Sacramento, CA). She was raised in Verona along with her brother, Joe.
Lorraine graduated from East Nicolaus High School after which she attended business classes before working for the State of California for a number of years.
On May 21, 1955, Lorraine married the love of her life, Dwight L. Rankin, after meeting at the horse races. They spent the following years raising their children, and then retiring, in the same house on clay Street, and were happily married for 44 years until Dwight’s death in 1999.
Lorraine worked as a teller for the Bank of America for 20 years. She was a skilled seamstres, and also loved to crochet and knit, all valuable assets when making prom dresses and crocheted vests for her daughters. Many times she dressed up for Halloween in interesting costumes she made by hand. She was an avid bowler, garnering many trophies, and bowling allies were her kids’ second homes.
Shortly after retirement, Lorraine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Over the years she handled her illness with a grace and strength that was inspirational to her family. She remained an active gardener, attended musical performances, and enjoyed her retirement years with Dwight, family, and friends. She dearly loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lorraine is survived by her 3 children: Diana Garrett (Mark), Sharon Hardin (Ed), and Terri Brogdon; 9 grandchildren: Phil Garrett (Gina), Christina Hardin, Stacy Humphrey (Joe), Nick Hardin (Starr), Sarah Dahl (Jared), Matthew Garrett, Erin Brogdon, Rachel Garrett, and Derek Brogdon; 9 great grandchildren, and a number of other close relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Vieira.
Lorraine will be missed for her laughter; her loving devotion to her family; her great, sometimes irreverent sense of humor; and her giggles through grueling games of Uno and Yahtzee.
Viewing will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. including a rosary and remembrances at 6 p.m., at the Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, in Sacramento, CA. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at Saint Lawrence Catholic church in North Highlands, followed by a burial at Sunset Lawn and a reception back at the church.
If desired, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Lorraine’s memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorraine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lorraine?
Share a story where Lorraine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorraine you’ll never forget.
How did Lorraine make you smile?