Lorraine Ivy Lightbody

The first chapter of Lorraine’s life began when she was born in Granger Washington on October 21, 1933.  She grew up on a farm with her mother, sister and grandmother.  She loved to tell stories about the farm and the life lessons that she learned from her grandmother.  Her mother owned a stationary store in Sunnyside and much of Lorraine’s childhood and teenage years were spent there.  She attended and graduated from Sunnyside High School.  It was there that she met and fell in love with Bob Lightbody.

Her marriage to Bob soon after the end of high school started the next chapter of her life, that of a military wife.  She and Bob were stationed mainly in Washington and Southern California.  At each posting, Lorraine would find a job as a bookkeeper for the Navy.  It was during this time that her two boys, Ron and Rob were born. Following Bob’s retirement from the Navy, the family settled on acreage in Olalla Washington.  Lorraine and Bob raised their boys and continued working.  Bob began a new career while Lorraine continued her work as a bookkeeper for the Navy.  Lorraine kept busy between work, raising her family, and socializing with friends.

Her next stage of life began after she and Bob retired again.  They moved to Coupeville on Whidbey Island and were able to purchase a home that allowed them to watch the ships pass through the straight.  Lorraine was able to pursue her love of lighthouses by volunteering at Admiralty Head, the local lighthouse.  They also kept busy helping to raise four of their grandchildren.

Although they loved Coupeville, another move was in the future – to Shelton and 10 acres on an estuary.  It was the perfect place as the house was secluded and peaceful but they were minutes away from a neighborhood restaurant where they loved to meet up with friends and spend time.  Bob passed away in 2014 after more than 50 years of marriage. Lorraine kept busy with friends, volunteer work and her family.  In 2020, she had to move one last time, to Puyallup and an assisted living situation.  She quickly made friends and became in engaged in the different activities offered.

Lorraine passed away on at the age of 88 on February 27, 2022 in Puyallup.  She is survived by her two sons, their wives, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  Throughout her life, Lorraine was happiest when she could help others.  She was an active participant in her service-oriented sorority, gave generously to charities, and volunteered her time.  She loved reading and often had several books scattered around that she was in process of reading.  She enjoyed gardening, dogs, and collecting lighthouses.  But most of all, Lorraine loved being with people.  She could talk to anyone and always had a story to tell.

She will be missed. Rest in peace Lorraine.