Lorraine Jencik

Lorraine M. "Lorrie" Jencik, 83, passed away on May 18, 2022 at Douglas Manor. She was a longtime Franklin, CT resident. Born enroute to Backus Hospital on the old Yantic Bridge, she was the daughter of the late Emil M. and Anna C. (Janosack) Jencik. She grew up on the family farm in Franklin, which she absolutely loved, along with its resident wildlife. Lorrie graduated from Pleasure Hill School in Franklin, Windham High School, and Quinnipiac University, Magna Cum Laude, with degrees in Marketing and Economics. She was a member of Delta Mu Delta (National Business Honor Society) and Phi Beta Kappa. Her interests included hiking, nature, NASCAR, protection of wildlife and the environment, dancing, astronomy and music. In her early years, she played classical piano and recently the keyboard. She sang in various Catholic church choirs and was a member of the Judo Black Belt Federation of America (SHODAN). Her greatest love was aviation and had been a licensed pilot for 33 years. Prior to retirement in 1998, she was employed by Xerox Corp. as a jet captain and held an Air Transport Pilot License with commercial privileges with five types of ratings in various jet aircraft including four engine. Previously, she flew night freight throughout the Eastern U.S. and Canada, and earlier as a Certified Flight/Instrument Instructor of single and multi-engine land and sea. Lorrie had participated in air races, both domestic and international, finishing 3rd in Nicaragua To Florida Race, logging over 17,500 flight hours. She leaves her niece, Marlene J. Piescik of Somers, CT; nephew, Donald Jencik of Canton, CT; a grandniece; three grandnephews; and several cousins. Lorraine's family will receive relatives and friends from 8:30am to 9:30am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, 46 Valley St. Willimantic, with her burial at St. Joseph Cemetery on Club Rd. in Windham, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, DC 20090 IFAW, 250 Summer St. Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com