Lorraine Lonner Gearhart

Gearhart, Lorraine Lonner 95 May 29, 1915 May 18, 2011 Born in Great Falls, Mont., to Swan Peter and Thora Lonner, Lorraine moved to Portland at age 7, graduating from Washington High School in 1932. She lived on Peacock Lane and helped establish the tradition of decorating the street with Christmas lights. In 1933 she began college at Oregon State College, taking courses in residential design and was initiated into Sigma Kappa sorority. She married Richard Gearhart and gave birth to her only child, Diane, in 1937. Lorraine served her country as a bookkeeper in the Portland Shipyards during WWII. She was a committed, loving mother and a Campfire leader for two groups of girls who remain good friends today. She received the "Outstanding Leader Award" from Campfire Girls many times. She was a member of Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, and in later years, attended Lake Grove Presbyterian Church services at Carman Oaks. A talented architectural designer, Lorraine drew up plans for a number of homes built in the Portland area, including two homes her daughter's family lived in. She worked with her father's construction company and enjoyed her time spent with him. She was an accomplished seamstress, a meticulous counted cross-stitcher, a knitter, card maker and an outstanding calligrapher. In recent years she enjoyed making music with her friends in the Carman Oaks Chime Choir. A passionate fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, she was particularly fond of Terry Porter and was thrilled to receive a phone call from him on her 95th birthday. Lorraine had a special humor that made life's challenges seem easier. Though challenged in recent months with declining health, her spirit never diminished. Lorraine possessed enormous strength, remaining vibrant throughout her life. Her positive attitude and fun-loving, easy-going nature made it a joy to be with her. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Lorraine is survived by her grandsons, Steve and Tom Gregg; granddaughter-in-law, Linda Gregg; and great-grandsons, Will and Tyler Gregg. Please join us for a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011, on Lorraine's 96th birthday, at Carman Oaks, 3800 Carman Dr., Lake Oswego.