Lorraine Lorden Cusick

Lorraine was born in Springfield on March 10, 1915, the daughter of Charles and Charlotte Bachhelm Lorden. Her only sister, Marie, preceded her in death in 1980.

She attended Ursuline School for Girls, later named Ursuline Academy, from kindergarten through the 12th grade and was a graduate of the class of 1932. Her love and devotion, as well as her husband Al’s, to the Ursuline Sisters was carried out through her entire life.

While still in high school, she operated a school of dance in Springfield and Virden. Lorraine had a passion, especially for ballet, and studied in New York where she became a member of the Dance Masters of America. Several of her great-granddaughters have carried out her love of dance which always made her so proud.

Lorraine married Albert F. Cusick at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on June 15, 1937. She was his strong and quiet partner until his death on December 9, 1984. Together they remained lifelong members at Blessed Sacrament where she was a familiar face to all there through the years. She lived to be the oldest known member of the Blessed Sacrament community.

She and Al had three children, Albert C. (Lauri) of Richmond, TX, Daniel J., who passed away on January 6, 2000, and Rita (Rick) Holzmacher of Springfield. Nothing brought her more joy and pride than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whenever asked to what she owed her longevity, her reply was always, “the love of my family.”

In addition to her two children, and Rick Holzmacher that she refused to call her son-in-law, but rather her son, she is survived by six grandchildren, Larry Cusick (wife, Laura and their three children, Tyler, Trayce, and Tiffany Potts, and their granddaughters, Preslie and Penelope Potts) of Colleyville, TX, Maryal Cusick of Houston, TX, Rick Holzmacher (wife, Megan) of Rochester, Ryan Holzmacher (wife, Jessica) of Brookfield, WI, Rhett Holzmacher (wife, Jocelyn), and Rodney Holzmacher (wife, Britt) both of Springfield. They gave her 14 Holzmacher great-grandchildren who adored her and fondly called her their “Granny”, Alec, Kyra, Olivia, Norah, Sophia, Payton, Emma, Charlie, Andrew, Cayden, Max, Jane, Hadley, and Jack. She also leaves a niece, Mary Cusick Dougherty (husband, Doug) of Columbus, OH, whom she considered a daughter, and a special nephew, Bob Cusick (wife, Andrea) of Springfield, as well as several other special nieces, cousins, and countless devoted friends.

Anyone who knew Lorraine knew that she never wanted to be the center of attention in life or in death. Any celebration for her had to be a surprise or she never would have allowed it. Her never ending kindness and selflessness was something that she will be most remembered for. For that reason, a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Jeff Grant officiating. Family and friends may view the Mass HERE available by Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

To the many who would have paid tribute to her, she would much prefer that you pay forward a kind act in her name to someone most in need.

Memorial contributions may be made to Villa Angela Home for Girls, 715 N. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62702 or The Ursuline Sisters Development Office, 353 S. Sappington Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122-6331.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.