Laraine Jeanette Baines (née Sobierajski), 76, of Celebration, Florida, passed away on January 27, 2023.
She was born in Bow, in the East End of London, on May 7, 1946. Laraine graduated with a bachelor’s from St. Joseph’s University, the first of her family to receive a college degree, funded by the Catholic Church and repaid by years of service teaching in its schools. Laraine inherited her father’s smiling eyes and gregarious disposition, along with her mother’s kindness and gentle heart. She is survived by her sons Jeff (Erica) and Chris (John), who will miss but never forget her friendship, support and unconditional love, as well as her granddaughter Caroline, who learned from Laraine that a life well lived is never short of future adventures, and a group of dear, lifelong friends in the Philadelphia area. Laraine was an avid reader and traveler, happiest when being handed a very dry Beefeater martini, up with a twist. She was a true bon vivant who brought out the best in everyone she met.