Lorraine Toni King

Lorraine T. King, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 16, 2025, at the age of 80. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lorraine was the heart of her family, known for her fierce love, unwavering faith, and quiet strength that guided generations.

Born on October 24, 1944, to Miguel and Helen Vigil, Lorraine grew up surrounded by love and tradition. She graduated from Rio Grande High School, where she was a proud member of the Ravenettes cheer team and a Girls State scholar. Her spirit and energy were infectious, and she carried that same enthusiasm into every area of her life.

In 1986, Lorraine married the love of her life, Michael King. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home that embraced everyone, especially during the holiday season. For over 50 years, her open house on Christmas Eve became a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, love, and the delicious aroma of homemade tamales and sweets.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, Miguel and Helen Vigil; her mother-in-law, Joyce Bratovich; and her brother, Louis Ross Vigil. She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; her father-in-law, Rudy Bratovich; her loving siblings, Steven (Leticia), Danny (Kathy), and David (Dena); her in-law siblings, Richard "Dick" Jr. (Lynn) and Arlette; her children, Conrad (Darlene), Ronald (Ana-Lisa), Monica (Victor), and Thomas; her cherished 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; and countless extended family and dear friends who were drawn to her boundless compassion, quick wit, and joyful spirit.

Lorraine possessed a brilliant mind and a servant's heart. Her career spanned various fields, from banking and telecommunications to her pivotal role in launching Bernalillo County's Pre-Trial Services Program, where her professionalism and leadership left a lasting mark. However, her true passion lay in education. As the founder, teacher, and principal of Open Arms Christian School, Lorraine dedicated her life to nurturing young minds. Her commitment to teaching profoundly impacted her students and the community. Whether in the classroom or around the kitchen table, she was a steadfast mentor-helping students and often her family write research papers, editing assignments, and cheering them on every step of the way.

Deeply grounded in her faith, Lorraine dedicated hours each night to prayer-spending one hour in the Bible and another in intercession. She was never shy about sharing the Gospel and played a vital role in leading multiple generations of her family and friends to Christ. Her strength as a single mother was anchored in her unwavering belief that "the Lord will get us through this," a conviction that shaped her life and the lives of those around her.

Lorraine found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially curling up with a novel, often finishing a book in a single sitting. Anyone who knew her recognized her extraordinary reading speed and her insatiable appetite for stories. Even while camping, she would find solace in the pages of a book, immersed in her latest read while Mike fished nearby. Lorraine was not only an avid reader but also a gifted storyteller, captivating family and friends with her vivid tales, which often reflected her own rich experiences and memories. Her love for literature and her talent for storytelling showcased a woman who truly appreciated the beauty of small moments and the power of a good story.

She gave freely of herself, even when resources were scarce. Whether sharing food she didn't yet have or covering bills for someone in need, Lorraine never allowed her circumstances to hinder her generosity. Her life was a profound embodiment of humility, strength, and unconditional love. In her final days, she was lovingly cared for by her devoted husband and daughter, whose presence brought her great comfort and peace.

Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and love that will continue through the generations she nurtured, supported, and inspired. Her absence is deeply felt, and her life will be forever celebrated.

The family has planned for services honoring Lorraine's life on August 13th at 10am at Legacy Church East Campus, where family and friends are invited to remember the woman who gave so much to so many. Please share your photos and stories of Lorraine in the guest book.