Lorraine Marjorie Goetz who went by "Lori" , passed away in her sleep on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at home. She was a life-long Port Orchard, Kitsap County, Washington resident. Lori's great great grandparents were among the first Catholic Irish to settle in Issaquah, Washington. Her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Ambrose & Marian Emeline (Ratfield) Gleason, moved to Port Orchard in 1937. They purchased 5 acres of land on the corner of Horstman Road and Warner. They began to build their family home on his salary, completing it in 1940. Leo & Marian welcomed Lori into the world on December 04, 1952 at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. She was the third youngest of seven children, and her parents were life-long members of Saint Gabriels Catholic Church in Port Orchard. Lori had fond memories of growing up in a large family, and on the Gleason Homestead which became a place to gather for Annual Christmas Eve Parties, Easter Dinner's and Egg Hunts, which the grandchildren and great grandchildren loved to visit through the years. Sadly, it was sold in 2011, and is a New multi-home Development. She attended Orchard Heights, Marcus Whitman, and South Kitsap High School graduating in the class of 1971. She met Fredrick "Fred" LeRoy Goetz on a blind date, and they married at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church on June 12, 1971. They purchased their first home on the corner of Farragut Ave North and Mahan Street. The large 3 story 1935 charming Tudor type original built home was always full of welcomed visitors. They started a family, and she was a homemaker until her children became teenagers. Lori decided she wanted to go to college and worked various part time jobs to pay for tuition and books. Lori was a devoted mother, who even while working for Conagra Pets as a vendor for K-mart, Ridgemont Terrace as an activity director, while obtaining her associates degree, managed to still put her family first. She graduated with Associates Degree in Bookkeeping in 1990 from Olympic College, in Bremerton. Lori's hobbies included reading several books a week. Her favorite author's being Anne Rule, and Debbie Macomber. She loved to Sew, and do crafts, cake decorating, crochet, and candymaking. She often made gifts for family and friends and sold them at local bazaar’s while raising her children. She collected dolls and Barbies, and loved the Holidays. Lori sold Amway and Avon, and loved to garden. During the 70's and 80's she was a huge fan of her husband's Super Stock Car Racing Dirt Track Hobby, and her and her children never missed a race during racing season. # 54. He named the last car of the 8 built, Lorraine II. In 1991 they sold their home and purchased another in Glenwood Station. Lori had a strong faith in God. She believed in the power of prayer. She raised her children in the Catholic Church, and then she switched to Elum Lutheran, and attended until Effie and Pastor Carl, who she was quite fond of, retired. After many efforts to reconcile differences after 21 years of marriage, Lori and Fred Divorced, and sold their new home. She then began to focus on herself, and her career. She worked at the Clambake and met many new friends. She would sing Karaoke, "Nights in White Satin", her favorite, and drink a diet coke. After the Clambake closed she was able to get hired at the Internal Revenue Service. She worked in Customer Service, Computers, and then the ACS department. During this time she recieved many awards. She retired early due to her health, in 2012 after 17 years of service. She met Joanne Vitartis, a beloved friend, during her career. They commuted and worked together. Lori adored Joanne, husband Jeff, Sister Jane, and her children. Lori said," Joanne and Jeff, have the best parties! During retirement, Lori enjoyed shopping at Goodwill and St. Vincent DePaul. She enjoyed her annual travel "Sister" time with her siser "Fran" Frances Schmidt. She took a trip to Nevada to visit her son and family, before her health made it too difficult to travel. She discovered Facebook, which she enjoyed reconnecting with her Class of 1971 friends and staying connected with friends and family. She loved keeping up on the News, Politics, and was a huge fan of Nancy Grace. Lori was devoted to helping others throughout her life. She helped her mother when her dad was dying of cancer, and took her mom to the Eagles Sunday dance with advanced Alzhiemers. She donted to many charity causes, including the Fire-Department, disabled veterans, and humane society throughout her life. She donated to the Shoe Box, and Giving Tree, and while working always helped a family in need at Christmas time. Lori's joy was being close to her grandchildren the last 10 years, and actively participating in their daily life. She was a devoted grandmother, who never missed a milestone. Her loss is immeasurable to her family, She said, " She lived a good life". We will miss her "Laugh", sense of humor, quick wit, and her positive attitude. She will be deeply missed, but will remain forever in our hearts.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo & Marian Gleason, ex husband, Fred Goetz and his parents; LeRoy and Maria (Steuer) Goetz, Niece; Nancy Kriegh, & Sister; Anna Marie Kriegh, Sister-in-law; Cathy (Bard) Gleason, and brother-in-law; Michael Schmidt.
She is survived by her daughter; Caroline Purser, Port Orchard, WA ; and her son Aaron Goetz, Winnemucca, Nevada and grandchildren; Austin (Goetz), Amanda (Goetz), and Kannon Romack, Port Orchard, WA, and Stephen Goetz, Winnemucca, Nevada
She is also survived by her brother's Louis Gleason, Oregon; Leo Gleason, Gig Harbor, and sisters; Marian Janosik, Port Orchard, WA, Frances "Fran" Schmidt, Snohomish, WA, Theresa Flanagan, Port Orchard, WA & Several nieces, nephews, & great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Life will be held on
Saturday, November 02, 2019 at New Hope Church
5512 Baby Doll Road, Port Orchard, Washington
2:00 pm with a reception following.
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