Lorraine Selma Gorman

Lorraine was comfort to those she leaves behind. She was dearly loved by her two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Although she came from simple beginnings, she and her husband Frank built a wonderful, rich life together. Resilience and determination characterized this strong and loving mother, grandmother and wife.

Lorraine Selma Bostrom Gorman was born to Carl Alder and Selma Theresa Bostrom on April 2nd, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She and her older brother, Dwight, were born eight years apart, but shared a passion for ice skating. From their parents, they learned a love for family that lasted Lorraine her entire life. As a child, despite having many chores at home, she enjoyed her free time to the fullest. Many of these hours were spent with her best friend Beatrice who lived across the alley. The two girls would snack on daily doses of peanut butter and banana sandwiches while hanging out at their favorite spot, Minnehaha Park. On a beautiful summer day in early June of 1935, Lorraine and Beatrice were playing tennis in the park when she caught the eye of her one true love, a handsome, gregarious army serviceman. Over the next three years, their courtship continued and they were married on June 17th, 1938. As World War II started, Frank was stationed in Pittsburg, KS until he was called overseas in 1942. Over the next four years of service, Frank moved throughout Europe while his heart remained at home with his sweet Lorraine. Lorraine was spoiled with trinkets and treasures from Frank’s war travels that accompanied his many love letters home to her. In 1946, Lorraine and Frank moved to Kansas City, MO. They bought their first home in 1948 while Lorraine was pregnant with their son Gary. In the summer of 1952, Lorraine and Frank welcomed their daughter Diane into the world. At the center of the young family’s life was Calvary Lutheran Church. Lorraine and her family also found great joy in road trips. Their adventures took them to each of the continental United States. As a young mother, Lorraine’s days were hectic as she balanced work in retail sales with her passion for cooking and sewing and volunteering at the church. Lorraine always enjoyed hosting an annual Christmas Eve party at their home on McGee. In 1967, The family moved to their final residence on Jarboe St. This would be the home Lorraine lived in and treasured until 2014. If the walls of this home could talk! Lorraine and Frank were the definition of social. They hosted many lively parties in the basement and were avid square dancers. The two built a network of lifelong friends through the years. Lorraine truly treasured these friendships. Over the next 15 years, Lorraine’s family continued to grow with the births of her grandchildren, Lori, Robin, Carla and Paul. Lorraine shined in her new role of devoted grandmother. For her grandchildren, she was their constant, their rock, a shoulder to cry on and a source of infinite wisdom gained through a life well-lived. After 54 years of marriage, Lorraine lost her cherished Frank in 1992. She leaned on her dearest friends for support and strength during such a difficult time. She was overjoyed when her family grew again to include five great-grandchildren, Maria, Dalton, Lilly, Riley and Kennedi. Lorraine took great care in fostering these relationships that would grow in love and admiration through the rest of her days.

To her family, she was unaffected by the passing time as she seemed to evolve with it. Reading books from her electronic tablet, engaging in current political discussions with her grandson, Sunday conversations with family where no subject was taboo, while never missing an episode of her favorite television show. She was a source of valued history lessons ranging from describing in detail the family tree to recounting life during the depression. In her final month, she enjoyed bonding with her daughter Diane and reminiscing about her childhood. Her passing surrounded by those she held dear was a testament to her unwavering devotion to family as she left this earth to join hands with Frank once again.

Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Diane (Steve) Dickinson; son Gary Gorman; four grandchildren, Lori (Jessica) Brooks, Carla (Dan) Frazier, Robin James, Paul Gorman; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.