R. Lorraine MOREWITZ

NEWPORT NEWS - R. Lorraine Morewitz, 85, died Tuesday, April 20, 2010.
Her brothers, Dr. Bernard Asher Morewitz and Alvin Morewitz; and her sister, Miriam Morewitz, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her older brother, Fred Morewitz, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and a number of nieces and nephews.
Lorraine's parents were founders of Rodef Sholom Temple. The synagogue, the congregation, and Judaism were central to her life. At Rodef Sholom Temple, she was involved in the Sunday school from childhood, eventually teaching classes, and also helping the children (many of whom are now grandparents) get to the synagogue for classes. She was intimately involved with the Rodef Sholom Temple cabaret, directing and producing it in 1964 and 1970, and acting in every cabaret, until the last one.
She was particularly motivated by our local community and our local theaters. Over the years, she served in every facet of the Peninsula Community Theater, previously of Newport News, and the Hampton Little Theater, from lighting and production to direction and acting.
Lorraine's uncle, Dr. Thomas Morewitz, was the first licensed physician at Riverside Hospital. In part to honor him, Lorraine volunteered there for 40 years, often transporting sick patients in the emergency room, and bringing a smile to people in need.
Lorraine was raised in Hampton, and briefly moved to New York. In New York, she lived at the Plaza Hotel, which charged her $15 per week for boarding. She returned to work with her family and our community. Lorraine attended Longwood College in Farmville. She attended the Newport News Business College, and enjoyed adult education classes in Hampton, and at Christopher Newport College.
Lorraine also volunteered for ORT and for the National Council of Jewish Women. She was a regular fixture at Rodef Sholom Temple's bingo games. She enjoyed boating, swimming, and golf. More than anything else, Lorraine enjoyed her friends, her siblings, and her poodles. She was always quick with a humorous comment or a wisecrack. Lorraine benefited most recently from the special attention of caregivers Sheila Griffin and Sharon Jiles, and of friends Karen Holston, Krista Booth, and Chip Goldstein, as well as other caregivers and friends. May her memory be for a blessing.
She will be buried adjacent to her parents, Samuel M. Morewitz and Reba Morewitz at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010, in the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.