Lorraine Wahl

Lorraine M. Wahl, age 98 (and a half), of Oro Valley, Arizona, died May 9, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Lewis G Wahl (Louie). She is survived by daughter Joanne Whitcomb (Husband Thomas), Oro Valley, AZ and son Gerald Wahl and Melissa Atkins, Smyrna GA: 4 Grandchildren: Amy Frissore (Husband Michael, Children Alexander and Eliza), Alison Ridings (Husband Ben), Jennifer Settle (Husband Ralph and Daughter Ruby) and Spencer Wahl (Wife Mandy, Stepson Parker Smith and son Jack).

Lorraine was born on a farm in Ashton, Nebraska, the 5th of 10 children to Joseph and Theresa Hurt. In her own words: "As a young adult I lived in Grand Island, Nebraska. It was during World War II. Ladies gave up silk hose and other items that were melt down and make into nylon parachutes, cord and rope and powder bags for navel guns. I worked in the Ordinance Plant where they made shells. There were many people from outside Nebraska working there. My Grandfather also worked there. The workers poured hot ingredients into the shells. I drove the filled shells in a cart to the next stop. There were 20 stops. The plant was one of 27 bomb-making plants. We were tested regularly to check for radiation. When I tested positive for radiation, I had to leave my job for my own protection."

Her next job was a the lunch counter at Walgreen's Drug Store where she met her future husband, Louie. As the war ended, she joined him in Fort Benning, Columbus Georgia where they were married, October 2, 1945. He was deployed to Alaska to invade Japan, if necessary, and left his bride with his family in Binghamton, New York.

At the war's end they settled in Binghamton where Louie worked at Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory. While there, the started a family, and their daughter Joanne was born followed by son Gerald (Jerry).

Louie left EJ and opened his own business where Lorraine was his bookkeeper and took care of the kids. When the children were older, she embarked on a new career, Real Estate where she became very successful. Once the children graduated from college, Lew and Lorraine followed Jerry to the Atlanta area where she again worked in Real Estate. Lorraine was very successful in Georgia and received numerous awards. She enjoyed Jerry's family and she and Lew also traveled to visit Joanne and family in Massachusetts, family in Nebraska and as far as England and fishing in the Northwest states.

After Louie passed away in 1998, she retired from Real Estate and enjoyed quality time with Jerry's family. In 2004, a decision was made to move to Arizona to spend time with Joanne and her family and the great weather wasn't bad either. While in Tucson, she reconnected with the Catholic church and made many friends.

For health reasons in October 2019 she moved to Amber Lights, an assisted living facility in Tucson. Then...COVID hit in 2020 and lasted 3 years. Daily phone calls from family kept her sane but while her mind remained sharp, lack of activity and socialization took a toll on her health.

At 98 1/2 years old, it was time. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to:

The American Heart Association

Or

A charity of your choice.