Lorraine Catherine Gianella

Lorraine Catherine Gianella, 90, of Broadacres in Aurora, Oregon, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by her family. Deeply rooted in the North Marion community, Lorraine was a person of rare beauty, inside and out, known for her generous heart, her easy laugh, and a life defined by the joy she found in caring for and connecting with others.

Born to Mathias and Margaret Richter in Garibaldi, Oregon, on July 14, 1935, Lorraine was a twin to her brother Louis and the last surviving of six siblings. She first met her future husband, Carlton Iver Gianella, at Donald Grade School. They were united in marriage on October 8, 1955, beginning a 66-year journey defined by love, devotion, and shared humor. Throughout their decades together, Lorraine remained the heart of her family and a devoted mother to her sons, Keith and Philip.

On the family farm in Aurora, Lorraine was a steady, industrious presence. Alongside Carlton, she helped manage cattle and crops while raising her family. She was instrumental in the family’s annual caneberry harvest, a labor of love dedicated to providing for her sons’ education. Beyond the farm, she worked as a switchboard operator and later served the North Marion School District as a teaching assistant for 30 years.

Lorraine’s true legacy is the family she gathered and nurtured. She possessed a unique gift for bringing people together, creating a home where you always felt loved. She was a woman of big smiles and deep hugs, and she absolutely adored her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Finding her greatest joy in the family she and Carlton built together, she delighted in passing down her love of books and simple pleasures—including a deep, family-wide love of ice cream.

A devoted Catholic, Lorraine’s faith was her compass. She served for many years as a Eucharistic minister and was a dedicated member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She ended each day in quiet reflection, saying her Rosary every night. Whether she was tending her beautiful garden, whipping up a sweet treat, or watching the birds from her window, she lived with a heart full of gratitude and joy.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlton, her parents, and her siblings. She is survived by her sons, Keith (Glenda) of Redmond and Philip (Page) of Hubbard; seven grandchildren, Catherine, Tygh, Emily, Tevin, Laurie, Trey, and Trent; and ten great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Hazel, Kella, Lyndy, Rosie, Sophie, Brody, Johnny, Harper, and Olivia. She is dearly missed.

The family will receive friends for a viewing from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Simon Cornwell Funeral Home in Woodburn, Oregon. A Catholic Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Woodburn, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Lorraine will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Altar Society at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Woodburn or to the charity of your choice.