Lorraine Mary Hawking

Lorraine Mary (Shields) Hawking, age 102, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away in peace on December 18, 2024, lovingly surrounded by her four children and family members. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 16, 1922, she was preceded in death by her mother and sister, and her beloved husband of 80 years, Clarence Hawking.

Lorraine met the love of her life, Clarence, at Chicago’s Hirsch High School, where they graduated a year apart. Their post-graduation plans took an unexpected turn as Clarence entered the service in World War II and was stationed on the East Coast. Lorraine traveled to Maine so they could marry before Clarence was shipped to the Pacific. They were then separated for more than two years and their letters to one another during this time are a family treasure.

After the war, with time spent working, going to school and starting their family, Lorraine and Clarence moved to Hammond, Indiana, where they bought their first home and raised their four children, Ellen (Hank) Binder, Catherine (John) Hickey, Paula (Patrick) Gardner and Andrew (Tina) Hawking. Together, they built a strong and lasting foundation of love for their children. In addition to her four children, she was also a constant inspiration as “Meems” to 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, with another one due soon. She embodied a spirit of staying active mentally and physically, being socially involved, and exploring and nurturing creativity.

Lorraine led a full and rich life, keeping up with current events, sports, music and the arts through her lifelong love of reading and learning. She worked hard with unbridled energy in all her pursuits. While she had several interesting and worthwhile occupations, her job as the Monroe County Unit Coordinator for the American Cancer Society was her most fulfilling.

Lorraine was active in every community where she and Clarence lived. In Hammond, she enjoyed being a room mother for all of her children, as well as team mother, Brownie leader, and Halloween costume designer extraordinaire. When they retired to Monroe County, Lorraine was an active member of her church, as President of Women’s Alliance, and served on both the Caring Committee, and the church Renovation Committee. She was an early member of the League of Women Voters, never missed voting, and was able to cast her last vote during the 2024 election. At the age of 90, when she and Clarence moved to Meadowood Retirement Community, Lorraine became involved in many activities and continued her life of volunteering. She especially enjoyed her many years of being chairperson, and later, co-chairperson for the Art Gallery, researching artists in the Bloomington area, and inviting them to display their artwork in the gallery.

All who knew Lorraine will remember her as a vibrant woman who loved finding just the right outfit to put together for any occasion. She was known for her signature bright colors, accessories and heels. Lorraine was an elegant woman of style and substance. She was the family fashionista and hostess, always eager to entertain and making sure her table was set with treats and ready for a tea party.

Lorraine will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The stories and memories we all share are precious and we will forever keep her in our hearts. Her qualities of strength, fortitude, and commitment to her family are all a testament to a long life well lived.

We would like to express our gratitude for the support and kindness that IU Health Bloomington Hospice House gave to Lorraine during her last days, to the doctors and nurses at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, and a special thanks to the Meadowood Retirement Community staff and residents where our parents (Meems and Gramps) lived for almost 12 years.

A date for a special celebration of Lorraine’s life, with music, art and stories, will be forthcoming. Arrangements are under the direction of Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.

For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lorraine please consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, IU Health Bloomington Hospice House, and WTIU PBS television station.