Lorraine Nolet Follensbee

1930 - 2025

Lorraine Nolet Follensbee

Hartford, VT - Lorraine Nolet Follensbee was born on March 2, 1930, to Annie Perrault Nolet and Wilfred Nolet in Lebanon, NH. She died on January 10, 2025, at Genesis in Lebanon at the age of 94.

She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Carol, and her brother Richard.

She is survived by her sons David of Hartford Village, VT, Dale and wife Lynn of Morrisville, VT, and Jeffery of Sharon, VT. Her grandchildren are Anna, Abby, Jennifer, Alexis, Chandler, and Ryan and her great grandchildren are Eliza, Jack, Jacoby, Luna, Elodie, and Camden.

She graduated from Sacred Heart School and Lebanon High School in the class of 1948. There she played basketball, softball, and hockey, and was a cheerleader as well.

In 1949 she married Robert L. Follensbee; the marriage later ended in divorce. They were the parents of three sons: David, Dale, and Jeffery.

In the summer of 1953 during a major epidemic, Lorraine contracted polio, a disease which left her confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Mary Hitchcock Hospital converted a special area for treatment and at the time, her eldest son David was 18 months old. This great setback never stopped Lorraine from being an active mother in raising her sons, managing her household, and participating in community activities. She also contributed to the family's financial well-being.

Her first job out of high school was as a bookkeeper for John Hancock Insurance Company. After the family moved to Hartford Village in 1957, she worked as a correspondent for the Valley News covering Village events. She also did bookkeeping for many private clients, including Upper Valley heavyweights such as Lenroy Nott, Noel Vincent, Bob McCoy, and Mary Shatney.

In the mid-70s she and her sister Carol ran Sugar-Bee Cattery specializing in breeding and showing Himalayans and Persians.

Lorraine was very thankful for the care she received from her doctors, nurses, and caregivers throughout the years.

Per her instructions, there will not be any public services. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Upper Valley Humane Society and Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.