1923 – 2017

 LEWISTON — Lorraine Jeanette Marcous, 93, of Lewiston passed away Friday, Jan. 20, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion following years of declining health.

She was born in Lewiston, on May 30, 1923, the daughter of the late Albert L. and Eva (McGraw) Marcous. Lorraine’s life was drastically altered when she, at the age of 13, lost her father in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver. Lorraine, her mother and her younger sister, relied on support of extended family and friends as a single-parent family, struggling like so many others, following the Great Depression.

Lorraine graduated from Lewiston High School in 1940, and following graduation worked as a secretary in a number of small businesses in Lewiston, including P&P Fuel and Hall and Knight Co. She also worked part time as a cashier at Columbia Market.

Lorraine was a faithful and life-long member of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Lewiston where she sang in the choir for decades. She also participated in a number of singing groups and choruses and proudly sang in a number of locally performed operettas. Lorraine also generously volunteered her time at St. Mary’s Hospital and the St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, as well as the Lewiston Public Library, for whom she delivered books to the elderly at their homes until well into her 80s. She was also a proud member of the Red Hats. In 1983, she fulfilled her dream of her lifetime when she visited Paris, France, with her closest friend, Marguerite Marcotte.

She is survived by three nieces, Kathleen K. Nilsson and her husband, Claes, of Cambridge, Mass., Susan K. Steinman and her husband, Jonathan, of Cape Elizabeth, and Andrea K. Braun and her husband, Thomas, of Winchester, Mass.; and by five great-nieces and nephews, Kelley S. Scott and her husband, Cameron, of Portland, Danielle Steinman of Park City, Utah, John Nilsson of Somerville, Mass., Conor Braun of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ryan Braun of Winchester, Mass.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her sister, Pauline M. Kelley; and a brother-in-law, John L. Kelley.

Lorraine’s family would like to thank the caring staff members at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion who personally and kindly looked after Lorraine during her stay there. They also wish to express their gratitude to the individuals affiliated with Beacon Hospice who did an exemplary job of providing Lorraine with compassion and comfort during her final days when she needed it most.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.