Edith "Lorraine" Laursen

May 20, 1983- November 4, 2010 Lorraine was born on May 20, 1933 in Fortuna, CA, and passed away peacefully on November 4, 2010 at the age of 77. She spent her early years in Fortuna and moved to Eureka in 1945, where she went on to graduate from Eureka High School in 1951. She married Lee Laursen on August 10, 1952, and they were married for 43 years when Lee passed away in 1995. Lorraine led a busy ranch life with her husband; raising her daughters, keeping the books, and cooking for the summer hay crews. She was a member of the Arcata Bottom sewing club "Buzz and Stitch". While her daughters were growing up she was very involved with their Bluebird, Campfire, and 4-H Clubs, taking on leadership responsibilities in all the groups. Over the years she traveled to many countries with her sister-in-law Dolores Martin. She brought back many wonderful memories and stories from each place they toured. Lorraine enjoyed many hobbies including ceramics, knitting, crocheting, toll painting, cross stitching, and various other crafts. Many of her projects were made for her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family members. Lorraine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Darrell Harnden, her daughter Sandy and son-in-law Fred Hanks; her grandchildren Rebecca and Amanda Harnden, Fred and Audrey Hanks, and Alicia and Tim Smith; her 3 precious great-grandsons, Cody Hanks, Justin and Brady Smith; her sister Jackie Ries; sisters-in-law Dolores Martin, Ruth DiBene, and Phil Holm. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces andnephews, cousins, and her loving dog Zack. Lorraine was proceeded in death by her husband Lee Laursen; father "Bing" and mother Mary DiBene; father and mother-in-law Herb and Rosella Laursen; brother Rick DiBene; brothers-in-law Herbie Laursen, Frank Martin, Junior Gomes and Don Ries; and her great niece Nicolle Quigley. The family would like to thank Dr. Fratkin and the nursing staff of the 2nd and 4th floors of St. Joseph Hospital for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Lorraine during her stay at the hospital. We would also like to thank the Eureka Healthcare Skilled Nursing Facility for the care given during her short stay there. And a very special thank you to Aunt Jackie Ries for the countless hours she spent with Lorraine during the last days of her life. Services will be held on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm at Paul's Chapel in Arcata, CA, followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Amercan Cancer Society, Hospice of Humboldt, or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the care of Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 822-2445 Please sign the online guest book at www.times-standard.com click on obits.