LEWISTON – Lorraine T. Smith, 80, died on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Russell Park Manor.

She was born in Portland on Sept. 14, 1925, the daughter of Ivan and Thelma (Twitchell) Smith, and lived in South Portland. Following her mother’s unexpected death, her father placed Lorraine and her older sister, Arlene, with the Sabbathday Lake Shakers on Sept. 8, 1935.

At that time, the Shakers were involved in caring for needy children and the two little girls were welcomed with love, coming under the care of Sister Mildred Barker, who became a lifelong mother to her. Lorraine attended the Shaker School. As part of her education, she learned all the domestic arts, including cooking and baking, at which she excelled.

Lorraine became a member of the Shaker Church on Dec. 17, 1946.

In 1949, Lorraine decided to leave the community. Sister Mildred found her employment in Portland and later in Saco. It was as a cook that she received her nickname,”Cookie.”

Lorraine then decided to attend the Maine Medical School of Nursing and graduated as an LPN. She worked in area hospitals, specializing in the care of pediatrics.

Children were always a very important part of her life. She assumed financial responsibility for several children in the Saco area and was always available to care for children. The only thing she loved better than caring for children was the companionship of her dogs, to whom she was completely devoted.

She also enjoyed collecting antiques and maintained a booth at the Kennebunk Antique Fair until failing health obliged her to give up most of her activities. Lorraine continued to decline and in 2000 she was admitted to Russell Park Manor, where she was kindly and lovingly treated for the past five years.

The Shaker Community wishes to thank the staff of Russell Park as well as Beacon Hospice for their care.

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