She was the oldest daughter of nine children who grew up in Fresno; attended Roosevelt High School; and worked for General Electric, Berven Rug Mills, and the Forestiere Underground Gardens.
She enjoyed sharing stories as a young girl riding motorcycles, riding horses (while standing up), and swimming across Bass Lake. Lorraine was a strong willed person guided by her faith. She came from a family that was very poor, and not bothered by it. The nine children were very close and loved to laugh and play. They liked playing practical jokes on each other. With so many children, they enjoyed the challenge of coming up with clever ways of having fun. Her sense of humor was something she shared with everyone; and she was a person who liked to poke fun at life.
Later in life, Lorraine became known as the "Lady of the Gardens". She worked as a manager, tour guide, bookkeeper, spokesperson, and at times everything else. At the Gardens she would not only share stories about Baldasarre's life; she would share family stories of her life too. Lorraine's kindness, generosity, and spiritual strength have touched many people locally and world-wide. Her life-long devotion to the Underground Gardens and to anyone in need was well known.
On days when Lorraine was asked if she was catholic, she would quickly clarify that she was Roman Catholic and attended St. Anthony of Padua Church here in Fresno. Years ago, she heard of a little 8-year old who convinced a kidnapper to let her younger sister go free; only to lose her own life. Lorraine was spiritually touched by the selfless act of someone so young. It forever touched her heart and reaffirmed her faith in the Holy Spirit.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Rosario Ricardo, of 59 years of marriage; six children, Lyn, Valery, Nick, Andre, Marc, and Juliet; five grandchildren, Jamie, Michael, Marissa, Christopher, and Matthew; one great-grandson, Colt; and three sisters, Ethel-Joann, Delores, and Mae.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Mary Queen of the Apostles church, 4636 W. Dakota, Fresno California.
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