Lorraine Fretwell

1927 - 2018

Lorraine Fretwell
June 5, 1927-September 10, 2018
Danville
Lorraine Kennedy Fretwell passed away at her home on Monday, September 10, surrounded by all 4 of her children, among other loved ones.
Lorraine was born on June 5, 1927 in Portland, Oregon where she met and married her husband, Art, who died in 1994 ("before she was done with him" as she so poignantly expressed it at the time.)
Lorraine and Art moved from Portland to Whittier, California. From Whittier they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and finally returned to Southern California before heading North to open a business with their sons in Concord in 1979: Fretwell's Ethan Allen Gallery. The business allowed Lorraine to display her business acumen, her marvelous character, and her grace-filled people skills.
Lorraine was a true Lady. Consequently she made life-long friends wherever she lived, even without Facebook.
As the middle child of 15 siblings she learned to be self-reliant, clever, patient, and gracious with people from all walks of life. Her interests included sewing, playing bridge, golf and tennis, interior design, Book Club, Bible Study and traveling.
Lorraine has left behind a bezillion loved ones. Her children: Jeanine Bartholomay of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Steve Fretwell (Benicia), Leigh Anne Delaney (Santa Rosa) and Scott Fretwell (Pleasant Hill) and her dear sister and last remaining sibling: Barbara Shackleton of Concord.
Lorraine loved to host huge gatherings of her family and friends. Her home was the centerpiece of love and graciousness where countless memories were formed for all of us and the importance of family was instilled.
Lorraine was born into a large, loving family and she created one for us too. She had 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. We miss her already.
There will be a celebration of her life at the Creekside Community Church in Alamo on Saturday, September 15th at 1 p.m.


View the online memorial for Lorraine Fretwell