Lorraine Bernice Van Auken Dolinar

Lorraine B. Dolinar was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Lorraine was the daughter of George and Donna Van Auken. Born in Martinez, California then raised in Milwaukie, Oregon with her brother Oliver “Van”, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life. Lorraine graduated from Milwaukie High School.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Lorraine. On June 25, 1949 Lorraine married William Edward Dolinar before a circuit judge in Portland, Oregon. She was totally committed to Bill and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. The couple had two sons, Lynn and Brian. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Kyle, Jade and Michelle.

If you gave Lorraine a deadline, she would meet it. At work, she was always on task. Without hesitation, she could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was at Marcus Whitman Elementary School, where she was employed for 16 years as a teacher's aide.

Outside of work, Lorraine enjoyed many hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were square dancing, bowling, puzzles and slot machines.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Lorraine had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included road trips to Eastern Oregon and Quartzsite, Arizona.

Lorraine also enjoyed the company of her pets. She had Bumphy the dog, who she had for 16 years and Samantha the cat, who she had for 21 years. Lorraine was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

When Lorraine's retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found pleasure in volunteering for Portland Adventist Medical Center, which she did for nine years.

Lorraine passed away on February 22, 2014 in her home in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her children, Lynn Dolinar (Laura) and Brian Dolinar (Stephanie Ripp); grandchildren, Kyle Dolinar, Jade Lee and Michelle Dolinar and brother, O. P. Van Auken. A funeral service will be at 11:00am, Friday, February 28, 2014 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 9:00am. Lorraine will be laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery with her husband William, who preceded her in death.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Lorraine was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Lorraine was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical.

Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of love. Her memory will be forever cherished.