Lorraine C. (Poole) Dooley, 91, of Eastham died at Cape Cod Hospital December 6 after a brief illness. Loving mother of six, she leaves behind two sons, Joseph (Linda) Dooley and John (Donna) Dooley and two daughters Mary (George) Fardy and Celine (Randall) Messer, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren as well as one remaining sibling, Sister John Marie Poole of Emmitsburg, MD.
Predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Joseph, she also survived two daughters, Theresa and Kathryn, a daughter in law (Linda) granddaughter (Beth) and two great grandsons (Angel A and Angel ).
A child of the Great Depression, she retained the values of hard work, grit, thrift and family cohesion throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she worked in retail where she met Joe, whom she married in 1952. Vivacious and full of life, she had a story for every occasion, entertaining all who would listen. She worked at many part time jobs to help make ends meet for the family, eventually becoming a shop keeper when all the children had grown.
She delighted in her extended family, welcoming each addition with wholehearted joy, learning the details of their lives and sharing her special gifts with each and every one. We all carry a part of her indomitable spirit with us.
She cherished the Cape and its beauty always, settling in to full time residence during retirement. Here she found meaning in volunteering at the Orleans Community Exchange, where she could use her gift of persuasion with customers to entice them to buy goods in support of local high school students. She enriched the lives of all who knew her and we all loved her dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 from 4 - 7 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans. A Funeral Mass in her honor will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at 11 am at St. Joan of Arc Church, 61 Canal Rd., Orleans, followed by Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Eastham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daughters of Charity, 333 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.