Lorraine Marie Stanceu

1952 - 2026

Lorraine “Lori” Stanceu (née van Brakle) passed away March 24, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 73. Born May 10, 1952 in Bethesda, Maryland, she spent her youth in Hyattsville, Maryland; Oahu, Hawaii; and Bremerhaven, Germany. She graduated from Northwestern High School (Class of 1970) and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland in 1974.

Lorraine later lived in Cincinnati, Ohio before settling in Shorewood, Wisconsin where she raised her children. A devoted mother and respected legal secretary, she retired in 2024.  Lorraine will sorely be missed by her family and community where she was an enthusiastic supporter of Milwaukee’s local arts, music and festivals. She produced exceptional photography. Those whose lives she touched will treasure memories of her brilliance and joy.

Lorraine was preceded in death by parents John Adelbert van Brakle, Jr. and Ethel Anita (Martin) van Brakle, sister Victoria (“Vicky”) van Brakle, brother John van Brakle III, and nephew Justin van Brakle. She is survived by daughter Lindsay Stanceu, son Adam Stanceu, sister Terry van Brakle and brother-in-law Terry Freeman, sister-in-law Pam van Brakle, nephews Jason van Brakle and Zack van Brakle, nieces Jessica van Brakle and Gina Brillante, and great-nephews Jayson van Brakle, Bryce van Brakle and Henry van Brakle.

Private family services will be held.