Lorraine Allen

Lorraine (Alves) Allen, 75, of Portland passed away on Friday, April 17, 2015 at Mercy Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a sudden illness. The daughter of Antone and Adeline Alves, Lorraine was born in Augusta, Maine on September 16, 1939 one of nine children. Lorraine attended Portland schools and dedicated her life to her family; raising 4 children, playing a significant role in the life of her grandchildren, being a caregiver for her mother during the last few years of her life as well as a special niece Bernadette Bunny Meuse during her illness with cancer. Lorraine loved to dance and dreamed of becoming a ballerina as a child. Although she didnt realize her dream, she never missed a chance to attend local dances and was known as one of the best Jittabug dancers around. Her love of dancing brought her to a Coast Guard dance where she met her future husband; Franklin D. Allen, Sr. Lorraine held various jobs within the community including food service at Mercy Hospital where she was in charge of banquet catering for hospital events. Prior to her death she was employed by Joann Fabric which was so much fun for her as she was a gifted seamstress. Another passion of Lorraines was baking. Her banana bread was the best around, and always a favorite at family gatherings and community events. Lorraines compassion for helping others, especially the elderly led her to serve her community by participating in senior dining events in Westbrook and Portland. Lorraine met many wonderful people through her community service work, resulting in a close friendship with Barbara Libby. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, parents, sister Adeline Nordfors, brothers Anthony and Vintura Alves. She is survived by her children: Anna M. Stein and her husband Joseph of Windham, Franklin (Bob) D. Allen, Jr., and his partner Jane Lavigne of South Portland, Elizabeth R. Alofs and her husband Douglas of Scarborough, Joseph E. Allen and his partner Stacey Noonan of Navarre, Florida; grandchildren, Maria L. Pearce and her husband Anthony of Buxton, Joseph R. Stein and his wife Jamie of South Carolina, Nicole M. Allen of California, Matthew T. Stein of Windham, Christopher A. Allen of Portland, Ashley A. Alofs of Massachusetts and her fianc Sean Eldridge, Joshua J. Allen, USMC and Jessica S. Allen of South Portland; Great grandchildren, Bryce A. Vance with whom she had a very special relationship with, Mason E. Pearce, and Ryan D. Stein. She is also survived by her brothers, Joseph P. Alves of Portland, Eugene Alves and his wife Ada of Florida, sisters, Rita Estabrook of Brunswick, Angelina Magno of Falmouth and Mary R. Nauroth (whom she spoke to every night for the past several years) and her husband Darryll of California, sister in-law Earlene Alves of Scarborough and over 40 nieces and nephews. Lorraines family extends their sincere appreciation to the Critical Care staff at Mercy Hospital especially, Dr. Frost, Zach, David, Jen (day), Jen (night), Dawn, Carlen, Mandy, Marie, Julianna, Beata, Tracy, Julie and Sam. Their exceptional care of our mom during the last 7 days of her life was a comfort to our family during this difficult time. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15am on Friday, April 24, 2015 followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Josephs Church, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lorraines name to: American Lung Association 55 W. Wacker Drive Suite 1150 Chicago,IL 60601