FARMINGTON – Lorraine Jalbert Whittier, 85, a lifelong resident of Farmington, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 6, at her home of natural causes.

She was born March 14, 1923, in Farmington, a daughter of David O. and Georgianna (Semean) Jalbert. She attended area schools, graduating in 1940, from Farmington High School. In 1946, she married R. Stewart Whittier in Farmington, where they made their home after his duty with the U. S. Army in the European theatre operation during World War II.

She worked during the war as manager of the Farmington State Theatre, walking miles to and from work in spike- heeled shoes. Lorraine stayed home to raise her family until Stewart passed away in January of 1968. At that time, she got her drivers license and a job with SAD 9 to support her four children. She remained employed with SAD 9 until retiring in the early 90s from the superintendent’s office.

Lorraine enjoyed visiting relatives, of which she had many, given her 10 siblings. She especially enjoyed digging clams and relaxing on the coast in South Harpswell with sister Lou, and her husband, Jeff. Many weeks were spent there with sister Glo, with whom she had a very close kinship. Friday nights were booked with Glo for dinner out and grocery shopping. For many years, Lorraine could be seen at the base of Titcomb Mountain, watching her children ski or preparing lunch at the commissary. She was a faithful New England sports fan, and particularly enjoyed following the Red Sox.

Later, her grandchildren became the focal point of her enjoyment, traveling to Rangeley, then New Hampshire, Connecticut and Arizona for the holidays. She was known for her strength and perseverance and her love of family.

She is survived by her two sons, S. Richard “Rick” Whittier and his wife, Valerie, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Thomas “Tom” Whittier and his wife, Robin, of Scotsdale, Ariz.; two daughters, Kristin “Kris” Lorenz of Tuscon, Ariz., and Cynthia “Cindy” Wells and her husband, Butch, of Chesterville; nine grandchildren, Matthew Whittier, Amy Shroff and her husband, Jason, Elizabeth Whittier, Bryan Whittier and his wife, Shelley, Brittney Whittier, Kelsey Whittier, Zacharia Lorenz, Katlyn Wells and Alexander Wells; three great-grandchildren, Elle Whittier and Noah and Chloe Shroff; and many nieces and nephews. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of her fourth great-granddaughter.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband Stewart, on Jan. 24, 1968; their daughter Karen, in 1947; sisters Alice Breton, Beatrice Robinson, Louise Nadeau, Anne Garrish, Cecile Poisson, Barbara Ouellette and Gloria Callahan; brothers, Rene, Roland “Jake” and John Jalbert; and many nieces and nephews.

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