Lorraine G. Serafin

In many ways, Lorraine Serafin defined the meaning of undeniable devotion and dedication as a woman of faith. A true blessing, her generous spirit, giving nature and warmhearted ways was an inspiration and gift to all she encountered. Her life was enriched in countless ways as she gave of her time and talents, and with a grace all her own, goodness radiated from her heart and bright, beautiful smile. Although she will be deeply missed, Lorraine’s heart lives on in the precious memories she leaves behind.

The crash of the stock market in late 1929 created financial turmoil from coast to coast, and by 1930, 1,350 banks had failed in the U.S. The entertainment world was a welcome deviation from everyday worries while the infamous cartoon character, Betty Boop made her debut to the delight of many. During these changing times along the western shores of Lake Michigan in the bustling city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the birth of Lorraine on May 6, 1930, found her parents, George and Bessie (Dotherty) Frank with much to be thankful for. Her parents worked hard to support their growing family, and while her mother worked at a commercial laundry for a time, she was also a busy homemaker.

Lorraine was one of five children which included her siblings, Leon, Virginia, Edward and Roy. The Frank family made their home on the east side of Milwaukee where Lorraine attended the local schools. Affectionately known as “Jinx”, when Lorraine was 14 years old she moved in with her older sister, Virginia and her two boys, Ronnie and Billy. There she was a tremendous help all while attending to her studies and making friends along the way. She went on to complete high school for which she was always thankful.

During her high school years and at the age of 16, Lorraine met her one true and only love, Ervin J. Serafin. An older young man at the age of 21, their romance developed to include a deep abiding love and they never looked back. In time the two happily married and as newlyweds they made their first home together in a rented, basement apartment flat only having a few furnishings. They didn’t have much of a view but it was always amusing to see the passersby’s feet as they walked past their apartment window.

Lorraine’s first job was with Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. Before long, Lorraine and Ervin were blessed with the births of three children, Dale, Diane and David. Along with making a good home for Ervin and raising their children, Lorraine later worked part-time as a cashier at Sentry Foods and did so for the next 20 years. She was offered several promotions throughout those years, yet Lorraine’s family and their needs were always her first priority. Later in life she went on to work at Sholes Junior high School as a cook in the school kitchen.

Lorraine was a wonderful cook and baker having made many family favorites over the years. The holidays and other family gatherings always took place at Lorraine and Ervin’s home, and they loved nothing more than having their family gather together for these special times. These times were very important to them and together they made these special meals for their family to enjoy. But it was always a special time in Lorraine’s home whenever her family dropped by for visits which frequently included sharing meals, snacks and laughter. The fact that Lorraine’s cooking and baking was all done with love made these treasured times together as a family all the more special.

Traveling was something Lorraine and Ervin thoroughly enjoyed. Along with taking many vacations throughout the U.S. with their family and later in life, a most memorable trip included their travels across Europe. As a couple they enjoyed square dancing and round dancing for over 30 years and made many dear friends doing so. They also liked going to watch the softball games at Wison Park. In her free time, Lorraine was a talented seamstress and did sewing and mending with the Serafin and Hofmann women and girls.

The addition of grandchildren added much joy to Lorraine and Ervin’s lives. They often babysat their dear grandchildren, Joel, Anna, Christina, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Gabriel any chance they could. They also loved having special days to love on their great-grandchildren, Ellie Brinn, Ruby Lou, Camden Richard, and Amara Michelle. Each Monday Lorraine always looked forward watching and playing dollies with little Ellie, Ruby, and Camden. These special times brought both Lorraine and Ervin much delight and they were so very thankful for having the opportunity of getting to know these wonderful members of their family.

When Lorraine’s beloved Ervin passed away in September of 2015, life for Lorraine and her family was never quite the same. Despite her heartache, Lorraine praised and thanked her Lord for the continued ability to walk and talk, and that she knew her name and who she was in her later years. Lorraine’s consistent, fervent prayers along with her devotions and meditations petitioning the Lord Jesus Christ set her mind at ease and gave her satisfying peace that can only come from Him.

Through her loving example, Lorraine Serafin was a nurturing and honorable woman of sound moral character. Intelligent and hardworking, she was dedicated to those entrusted to her care, and her abiding faith carried her through each day for which she was blessed. With unending love, limitless dedication, and immeasurable devotion, Lorraine’s caring and compassionate heart loved and accepted unconditionally. With faith as her guide, she was a steadfast prayer warrior who never ceased in praying for those she knew and loved, waiting patiently on her Lord Jesus Christ for answered prayers. Truly a woman of grace devout to her Lord and the family she so treasured, Lorraine will be long remembered for her beautiful spirit.

Lorraine G. Serafin “Jinx” (nee Frank) was born to life May 6, 1930 and she was born to eternal life, October 5, 2018 at the age of 88. Lorraine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ervin J. Serafin; her parents, George and Bessie Frank; and by her siblings: Leon, Virginia, Edward and Roy Frank. She is the cherished and devoted mother of Dale (Carol) Serafin, David (Melanie) Serafin and Diane Hofmann. Lorraine is the loving “Nana” and Grandma of Joel (Aundrea) Serafin, Anna (Mark) Hladilek, Joshua (Andrea) Serafin, Gabriel (Brigid) Serafin, Christina Hofmann and Elizabeth Hofmann. She is the loving great-grandma of Ellie Brin, Ruby Lou and Camden Richard Hladilek, and Amara Michelle Serafin. Lorraine is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Friends may meet with Lorraine’s family on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 5-7 PM at Suminski Family Life Story Funeral Homes-Niemann/Suminski, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 where the service to celebrate her life will take place at 7:00 PM. To share a favorite memory or photo of Lorraine and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.suminskifuneralhome.com.