OBITUARY

Lorraine Marie Stariha

June 8, 1927 – January 13, 2021
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Lorraine Marie Stariha

It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Lorraine “Laurie” Marie Stariha, age 93, our loving mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on January 13, 2021.

She was born June 8, 1927 in Seattle, Washington to Anthony and Magdalen Harris. She grew up during World War II and helped her parents and sister entertain dozens of soldiers that were far from home, with home cooked meals and laughter.

She married the love of her life, Frank Louis Stariha, on April 16, 1955. Laurie and Frank quickly started their family of six children, that led to all the adventures of raising a big family.

Laurie was a great cook and baker and served up comfort foods for family, friends, and those in need. She loved sewing and all crafts and shared her handmade creations freely. Her hands were always busy. She worked at a fabric store for many years and shared her knowledge and creative talents with many customers along the way.

Laurie loved people and people loved her and she maintained many friendships. The one all of us kids knew well was her “Lunch Bunch” friends, Eileen Reeves and Sally Dammier, who met weekly to have a meal together. Laurie continued those lunches until she could not drive any longer.

Laurie was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Laurie’s kids all know her best for her winning smile that could melt your heart, her kindness, compassion, love for her Catholic faith, generosity, and love of travel. Her many travels included trips to Europe, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Disney World and her last trip was an airplane ride near Mt. Rainier, with her daughter Geralyn as her pilot, for her 90th birthday. She even got to fly the plane!

Laurie taught all her six kids and her grandchildren how to be good people, have strong values and to be kind. She was the best Mom anyone could hope for and she is loved fiercely.

Laurie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank.

Laurie is survived by her sister Helen Snider; her children - Mark Stariha (Laurie), Geralyn Stonack (Bob), Donald Stariha (Beth), Gary Stariha (Pam), Paul Stariha (Tina), Lisa Stariha (Ken); grandchildren Taylor Stonack, Emily Rose (Justin), Matthew Stariha (Megan), Alissa Davis (Nick), Nicolé Stariha, David Stariha, Brynna Stariha, Alexandria Stariha, and Jonathan Stariha (Alexa); and great grandchildren Anamia Rose and Mason Rose (and a great grandson and great granddaughter on the way).

In lieu of flowers, Memoriams/Donations can be made to Taylor Adult Family Home, c/o Sharon Taylor 639 S 150th St, Burien WA, 98148 or St. Bernadette’s Church, 1028 SW 128th St, Seattle, WA 98146.

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Lorraine Marie Stariha

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Lea points

January 31, 2021

Laurie was the sweetest resident I have ever cared for. She always had a smile and a thank you, She appreciated our help and she will be dearly missed at Taylors Adult Family Home. Laurie maybe gone physically, but your memory will always remain in our hearts, My heartfelt condolence's and prayers I send to her wonderful family.
Lea

Kevin Nguyen

January 29, 2021

Grandma Laurie has been and always will be one of the sweetest grandmas to our family. She is a blessing to my parents and has brought a smile every time she came to the salon. We will be forever grateful for the time and memories we shared with her. Prayers to her family and her loved ones.

Patty Doty

January 28, 2021

What a joy and comfort to celebrate a woman who led a life well-lived. I feel blessed to have known her even a little thru Paul and his family. A fun memory popped up for me from a few years back. I had picked her up in my Mini Cooper to go visit someone in the hospital in Bellevue and what a lively conversation we had on the way home. She was wrestling thru an issue. I loved it that she knew her own mind and yet remained respectful. Beautiful lady.

Cheryl Hopton

January 27, 2021

Aunt Laurie was my favorite aunt! And she gave me six wonderful cousins...what a blessing! I have such fun memories of her at Lake McDonald and at the cabin on Vashon. Her beautiful smile lit up any room she was in.

Susan Heffernan

January 24, 2021

I’m very sorry to hear about Laurie‘s death she was a great friend her family and my family did a lot of things together with the Abrams we had some great times with 15 kids with us but it was fun times she will always Have a place in my heart

Taylor Stonack

January 24, 2021

I have always felt loved, accepted and part of our blended family, from the first time I took part in any gathering. As I look back on the nearly 30 years that I was lucky enough to call her Grandma Laurie, I would say that my favorite part of all of them is remembering her smile and laughter as she took in the beautiful chaos that we all created together. It was so clear that she was incredibly proud of what she had created.

Her grace, her kindness, her effortlessness in living her life with such beauty and elegance. With the simple touch of her hand on yours, you felt her abundance of love. Her heart was so big and full of love that I’m honestly surprised it fit in her body. She will be so missed and we are all better for knowing her.

Carolyn Olero

January 23, 2021

Laurie your warm smile always brightens my day every morning I get into your room. You had the same smile all day even when in pain you are the true meaning of a gorgeous woman from the time I joined Taylor's Adult family home in sep 2018 i always admired your class. I am glad that I was part of the team that made sure you are comfortable at all times and looking pretty as always. Your last days were very had for me but I had to let you go
I will truly miss you
In God's hands you rest. Amen

Mable Otinga

January 22, 2021

Laurie - My Lady of Class
It is not common to come across a lady of Laurie’s age that will effectively engage you with jokes and humor. I will miss you my dear. I called her “My lady of Class” . Very warm to us all, never complained even when she was in pain. One thing that stood out was Laurie’s level of perfection. She was classy, she knew it and we all did. This was vivid in her choice of clothes jewelry, and table mannerism. The unity in her children spoke volumes of the excellent mother Laurie was. May she find rest in the everlasting arms of the Lord she served so passionately .

sharon taylor

January 21, 2021

Laurie came to Taylor's Adult Family Home to live April 2018, along with her lovely smile we got to know her wonderful and supportive family. It became apparent what a close family she had and how they all had a part in making sure she was loved and well cared for.
Right away we realized how important it was for Laurie to dress up, hair perfect, nails, jewelry and looking beautiful every single day. She looked forward to her daily phone call from her sister Helen, and loved our Wednesday outings to the Senior Center for lunch and dancing. Her best friend Eileen would join us and a great time was had by all. Laure was certainly a treasure with her special smile and kind words. She will be dearly missed but not forgotten. She loved ice-cream, so in honor of her we will celebrate her with her favorite desert" Laurie's ice-cream special every week"

juvy leak

January 21, 2021

It has been my great privilege to care for Laurie since 2018 at Taylor's Adult Family Home. She was a very sweet lady , very humble and such a happy person. She always had a sweet smile even in her last days of her life.
I send my condolences to her family , may God give you comfort and Peace . I miss you Laurie.
Love,
Juvi

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