Norma Lorraine Proctor Gibbons Anderson

In Memory of Norma Lorraine Proctor Gibbons Anderson Dr. Norma Lorraine Anderson, PharmD, was born on October 18, 1930 in Tucson, Arizona, the younger of two daughters of Lupe and George Proctor. A third-generation Arizonan, Lorraine lived in Tucson, Flagstaff , Tempe and briefly in Farmington, New Mexico. Like her pioneering family which helped settle Arizona, Lorraine blazed new trails. She was one of Arizona's first female pharmacists, graduating in 1953 from the University of Arizona with the first pharmacy class that admitted women. She retired after 17 years as a chief pharmacist with Walgreens®. Lorraine began building her own family with her marriage in 1954 to Paul Gibbons. The couple located their family to Flagstaff where Paul was a successful trucking contractor working on the Glen Canyon Dam. In Flagstaff, Lorraine devoted herself to family, volunteering as a hospital pharmacist, and serving as an alumni leader for her beloved Tri Delta Sorority. The couple had four children: Virginia (Gigi), Polly and twins, Michael and Hayley. Through the years, Lorraine's motherly embrace encircled other "children of the heart," including her niece, Marlene and grandson, Cody, who she helped to raise. In 1978, Paul was killed in a car accident and Lorraine took on the role of single working mother. She was fortunate to find love again with Frank 'Andy' Anderson, a fellow pharmacist, who she married in 1989. With their marriage, Lorraine's love of family expanded to include Andy's children Mike, Linda and Kathy. In addition to family events and trips together, the couple shared a passion for football and spent many Friday nights cheering on teams coached by Lorraine's son, Mike, or her grandson, Cody. Lorraine knew how to have fun even in the midst of pain. In the assisted living facility which was her final residence, her apartment was known as the "party place" where staff would gather. Even in her hospice bed, Lorraine continued to bring people together to share memories and laughs. On November 24, 2010 after a nine year battle with cancer, Lorraine died, but not before having said goodbye to loved ones and helping prepare them for her passing. She will be remembered by Polly Baughman (Thomas), Hayley Gibbons, Michael Gibbons (Stacy), Marlene Willmes (Herb), Linda Schiefelbein (Steve), Kathy Wong and Mike Anderson (Pat). Lorraine was preceded in death by her daughter, Gigi. Lorraine also is survived by grandchildren, Cody Collett, Drew Gibbons, Murphy McGary, Morgan Rendel (Jacob), Mark Schiefelbein (Didi), Madison Uden, Taylor Uden, Jennifer Wellborn (Dan), Hayley Wong, Lindsey Wong, Katie Krough (Korbet) and Amy Hubbard (Mike). A celebration of Lorraine's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Valley of The Sun Memorial Park, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road in Chandler. Lorraine has asked that people wear red to her services as a symbol of her vibrant approach to living. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the name of Lorraine Gibbons-Anderson to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or 888-557-7177). Arrangements by LAKESHORE MORTUARY.