Lorraine Joan Molnar

True to the way she lived, Lorraine Joan Molnar faced life—and its final chapter—with quiet grace, deep faith, and unwavering love for her family. Lorraine passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on August 2, 1933, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, to Mary Rudavsky Madzy and John Madzy, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Marion Madzy Stauffer, and—by only days—by her husband, John Thomas Molnar.
Lorraine devoted her entire life to others, beginning with her beloved husband, John, and extending to her children, grandchild, and great-grandchild. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she poured herself fully into caring for those she loved.
High school sweethearts in Monessen, Pennsylvania, Lorraine and John shared a love story that spanned 75 years and a marriage of nearly 73 years, building a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and shared faith. In life they were inseparable. In the end, Lorraine held on for John, and once he passed, it seemed her work on earth was complete. She followed him only days later, as quietly and faithfully as she lived.
Together, Lorraine and John raised two children: Dr. John T. Molnar, Jr. (preceded in death by his wife, Chris) and Lori (Bob) Schafer. Lorraine was a devoted grandmother to Jessica Molnar Reed (Dr. Davis Reed) and a cherished great-grandmother to Casey Reed, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her sister, Kathryn Madzy Soubeyrand (Bill) of Youngstown, Ohio, one nephew, and one niece. She was preceded in death by her other nephew.
Raised in humble circumstances in the small steel and mining town of Monessen, Lorraine's childhood was rich in love, values, and close family bonds. A gifted student, she graduated second in her high school class and played first violin in the school orchestra. She later attended Robert Morris College, training as an executive assistant, and worked at a construction company in Monessen and later at a bank in Youngstown, Ohio, where she and John settled and began their family. After becoming a mother, Lorraine devoted herself fully to raising her children—a role she embraced with selflessness, patience, and joy.
Lorraine was one of the kindest and most genuinely positive people anyone could imagine. She never, ever complained, always looked for the good in others, and met life with quiet strength and optimism. Her children often referred to her as a saint for her compassion, humility, and grace. She opened her heart to her neighbors and consistently gave extra to those in need.
Lorraine and John spent most of their married life in Boardman, Ohio, before later retiring to Briarcliffe Acres in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to be near their granddaughter. They shared many hobbies throughout their life together, including tennis, skiing, golf, bike riding, and even earning ham radio licenses side by side. Among family, Lorraine was known for her sweet tooth and her belief in always saving just enough room for dessert. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and liked to joke that when she was "on a diet," SlimFast went perfectly with her Krispy Kreme donuts. In her final years, she delighted family by flexing her bicep and proudly declaring, "I'm strong!"
A devoted member of her church since childhood, Lorraine remained deeply rooted in her faith throughout her life and was most recently an active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Bible school for many years.
Above all else, Lorraine's greatest pride and joy was her family, to whom she gave her life in love and service.
Lorraine Joan Molnar will be remembered for her grace, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and boundless devotion to others.
After 75 years of loving partnership, Lorraine now joins her beloved John in eternal rest—faithful companions in life, and now at peace together in God's care.
Funeral services will be private and held on January 6, 2025.
Since Lorraine passed away only days after her beloved husband, John, a celebration of both of their lives will be held at a later date, to be determined by the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society in Lorraine's memory.