Lorraine Louise Gibbons

1931 - 2025

JANESVILLE, WI - Lorraine Louise Gibbons, age 93, of Janesville, passed away on June 14, 2025. She was born in Aurora, Ill., on October 31, 1931, the daughter of Harry and Ione Beck. She lived in Chicago, Nittany, Penn., and Maple Park, Ill., while growing up.

She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S degree in education. She married George W. Gibbons, Jr., on August 9, 1953. They lived in Aurora, Joliet, and Plano, Ill., before moving to a farm near Albany, Wis., in 1960. Lorraine taught elementary students in Plano, Ill., Monticello, Wis., and Albany, Wis. She enjoyed teaching and many kids said Mrs. Gibbons was their favorite teacher.

She was a member of the N.E.A., the Albany P.T.O. and Sugar River Homemakers. She retired from teaching in 1977 and in 1984 they moved to Janesville, Wis.

Her family came first in her life, and she devoted herself to their care. She was a thoughtful and loving mother, a doting grandmother, and caregiver for George in his later years as he experienced health issues. Lorraine's hobbies included macrame, oil painting, rosemaling, refinishing furniture, caning chair seats, reupholstering, and sewing. She kept a clean, well-appointed home, which featured her many oil paintings and photos of her many travels. She especially enjoyed her trip to India. All told she visited 48 states and ten countries. She was proud of her roots, and she visited Pennsylvania with George to document her family tree to be shared with her kids and grandchildren. Lorraine was well-read and an engaging conversationalist. In her later years, she especially loved to share stories from her youth growing up in Chicago. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Sally) Gibbons, Batesville, IN, Carol (Jim) Klager, Roscoe, Ill., Jim (Linda) Gibbons, Valley Center, CA, and Grant (Staci) Gibbons, Harcourt, Iowa; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private burial next to her husband George took place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. There will be a celebration of life planned for a later time.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.