Loraine Gladys Gazay

Loraine Gladys Gazay was born in Seattle on May 10, 1930 to Charles and Gladys Shubert. Loraine’s father was killed in an automobile accident when she was a child, leaving her to be raised by her mother, who worked as a production worker at Boeing during World War 2. These female workers were known as “Rosie the Riveters” and were qualified to live in government housing. Loraine and her mother moved into the newly constructed White Center Heights Housing Project where she grew up and attended Highline High School.

After high school, Loraine attended both the Broadway Edison Technical School and Griffin-Murphy Business College learning shorthand, typing, and other secretarial skills. Loraine was employed as a secretary and administrative assistant at several organizations including Boeing, Radio Products, The Salvation Army, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Loraine was married in 1955 to Angelo Silva and had two children, Michael Silva in 1956, and Steve Silva in 1957. Unfortunately, Angelo died in 1960, leaving Loraine to raise two small children on her own, during a time when support for single parents was almost non-existent. Several years later, Loraine was remarried to Alfred Gazay and had a daughter, Leanna. In 1970, Alfred passed away, once again leaving Loraine to raise her children on her own.

Loraine was a lifelong resident of Seattle and lived in the White Center/West Seattle area. Loraine never learned to drive and relied on public transportation to get around. Loraine loved animals and kept one or more cats during most of her adult life. Loraine had limited financial resources throughout her entire life but was quick to share anything that she had with her family and friends. Loraine had a positive and optimistic attitude and rarely complained about anything.

Loraine is survived by her three children, Michael Silva, Steve Silva, and Leanna Gazay; her three grandchildren, Crystal, Destiny, and Allyssa; and two great-grandchildren, di Melia and Michael.