Lorraine M. Blake

Lorraine M. Blake, 90, a lifelong resident of Rockford and most recently of Provena Cor Mariae Center, went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2008. Lorraine was born March 14, 1918 in Sublette, IL the daughter of Thomas H. and Edith (Thiess) Hehir. Lorraine married Thomas R. Blake on August 14, 1937 at St. Patrick Church. Lorraine graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1936 and attended OSF St. Anthony School of Nursing. She worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Warner and retired in 1982. Lorraine was a member of St. Bernadette Church and former member of Cathedral of St. Peter. She supported many charities, adored her faithful companion Shannon Kelly, loved gardening and baking, especially her pies, was an avid Cubs fan who loved Greg Maddux, loved all sports and was a proud supporter of the 1956 West High State Basketball Champions. Lorraine is survived by her grandchildren, Denise (Rod) Wubbena, Christine (Bruce) Feathers, Jason (Marge) Blake, Lisa Koski, John Koski and Kathleen Johnson; 15 great-grandchildren; her granddaughter-in-law, Beth Blake, former daughter-in-law, Rosemarie Hobart and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Thomas (March 31, 1985) her children, Thomas, Michael and Jean; her sisters, Marcella A. Aldrich, Mildred R. Lang and Madeline M. McHugh; her brothers, Roger and Harold Hehir; her grandson Thomas J. Blake and her close sister-in-law Josephine Hehir. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette Church, 2400 Bell Ave. with Rev. Joseph P. Nicolosi officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517. Family and friends may extend online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.