Ms. Lorraine Jean Haller

Lorraine Jean (Brown) Haller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026 in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in the home of her daughter, Carol (Haller) Lander. Born in Minneapolis in 1932 to Louis Julius Brown and Ethel Olivia (Anderson) Brown, Lorraine grew up near her family’s farm in Anoka County, Minnesota—a place filled with the rhythms of family, faith, and farming life. The hard work, community spirit, and quiet optimism of her German and Swedish heritage shaped her into a woman of deep kindness, patience, and grace.

After graduating from the Glenwood Hills Psychiatric Nursing Program in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Lorraine began her career at the Faribault State Hospital. It was there, in 1954, that she met musician and Navy veteran Donald Theodore Haller, who volunteered to play piano for patients. Their shared compassion and love of service soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married on March 19, 1955, at Holy Trinity English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

Lorraine and Don made their first home in Michigan, where Don earned his master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and later lived in Dayton, Ohio and Rockford, Illinois. Lorraine worked in both psychiatric nursing and occupational therapy before the family settled permanently in Ann Arbor. There, she primarily devoted herself to raising their two daughters, Mary and Carol, creating a warm, creative home filled with curiosity, music, and love. When her children were older, Lorraine returned to work at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR), where she cherished the vibrant university community and took great pride in contributing to its mission.

Lorraine and Don shared over 62 years of marriage. Their deep partnership extended beyond their family—they lovingly cared for Don’s younger brother, Thomas (“Tommy”) Haller, who lived with them for many years and became part of the heart of their home.

A lifelong learner and traveler, Lorraine found joy in new experiences, especially the journeys she and Don shared across the United States and abroad. A highlight of their travels was a 1983 trip to Sweden to reconnect with her Anderson family roots. Lorraine always enjoyed northern Michigan—wading in the lakes hunting for Petoskey stones, and in later years spending time with Don in Boyne City.

Lorraine spent her final seven years in the Atlanta, Georgia area where she showed grace and dignity despite the challenges of dementia. She touched many lives and was a favorite with staff, residents and families. We thank everyone she met for their love and kindness during these years.

Lorraine will be remembered for her gentle humor, steadfast kindness, and the grace with which she moved through life. She inspired her family through her quiet strength, unshakable faith, and love that never wavered.

Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Mary Haller (Kevin Donohoe) and Carol Lander (Robert); grandchildren Lori Donohoe, John Lander and Benjamin Lander; brother Glen Brown (Melodie Paulson); sisters-in-law, Concha Brown (Raymond) and Darlene Brown (Dennis); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who cherish her memory.

She was predeceased by husband Donald Haller, and brothers Raymond Brown and Dennis Brown.

A celebration of life for Lorraine will be held on Saturday, March 14 (time to be announced) at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a place she loved to walk among the flowers and where she proudly showed her roses as a member of the Huron Valley Rose Society.

A private burial will be held for the family. Lorraine will rest alongside her husband, Don, in Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Matthaei Botanical Gardens (https://giving.umich.edu), in memory of Lorraine Haller.